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Museums and Collections

Discover the full breadth of The University of Reading’s museums and special collections.

Art Collections

A vibrant collection showcasing bold artistic experimentation across generations.

Cole Museum of Zoology

Uncover the story of life on Earth through preserved animal wonders.

Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology

Greek and Egyptian artefacts revealing the realities and rituals of ancient life

Special Collections

Internationally important libraries and archives, plus over 40,000 rare books.

Lettering, Printing and Graphic Design Collections

Exploring how typography and print shaped culture, creativity, and communication.

The Museum of English Rural Life

Discover the history of rural England and its people.

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Plan your VisitOpening times Getting here Accessibility Group visits Family visitsOur SpacesGalleries Café Garden ShopCommercial ServicesHire a room License our content

Collections A-Z Visiting the archive Library Archives Objects Online exhibitions Search our databases Collections projects Donating to the collections

Schools and colleges Sessions and workshops Self-guided school visits Teachers’ Panel Work experience University students Teaching with collections Book a speaker Absolute Units podcast Community projects

Volunteer with us Donate

Museums and Collections Art Collections Cole Museum of Zoology Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology Special Collections Lettering, Printing and Graphic Design Collections The Museum of English Rural Life

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/Making Rural England – Coopering and thatching

Making Rural England – Coopering and thatching

Coopers and Thatchers case - for virtual tour

Certificate

Plastic spar

Thatching needle

Bamboo spar

Knee pads

Inside shave

Cask taps

Tap the yellow hotspots to see more information on the selected object.

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6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX
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Opening hours

Tues-Fri: 9am - 5pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 5pm
Mon: Closed
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The Museum of English Rural Life

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