TAKEOVER DAY
See the museum through the eyes of young people! Members of NCS (National Citizen Service) will be taking over The MERL digitally for a day! They will be creating exciting social media content inspired by our collections to appeal to their friends and peers. So watch out for their posts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and […]
THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG
This exhibition in the beautiful Staircase Hall celebrates the poultry related collections held at The MERL featuring items from the David Scrivener Collection (David was a well-respected author, poultry show judge and collector), and documents relating to the National Poultry Test and the Poultry Club of Great Britain. Read more about the collection in this […]
MUSEUM SHOP SUNDAY
It’s nearly Christmas and we’re celebrating with a few seasonal delights! Come along to our special ‘Museum Shop Sunday’ family Christmas shopping event on Sunday 25th November from 12pm and 4pm. Follow our free Christmas trail though the galleries, treat yourself to some nibbles*, enjoy our 50p raffle with lots of prizes, and take advantage […]
THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: AWESOME APPLES
CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN HARVEST AND HAVE FUN WITH APPLE-THEMED ACTIVITIES AND CRAFTS IN THE MERL GARDEN Sessions are suitable for families with children aged 3 – 11* and will include: Story corner Crafts: make apple creatures, apple printing onto apple shaped paper. Apple bobbing Press your own apples (please bring some with you along with a […]
THE OUTSIDE IN: BOOKABLE HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
A very special opportunity to work with Jelly artist, Julie Calce Bunker. In response to the Reading International exhibition of works by Steven Claydon at The MERL create your very own decorative mask or a grumpy face jug using recycled materials. Bookable half term workshops (choose one): Tuesday 23 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: Make a Mask Thursday 25 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: […]
PUBLIC LAUNCH: STEVEN CLAYDON – THE OUTSIDE IN AT THE MERL
Join us to preview and celebrate the launch of Steven Claydon’s new commission for The MERL and Reading International – The Outside In, which takes the form of a series of sculptural interventions in the Museum’s galleries. Meet the artist and guest curator, Steven Claydon, who will be at the launch to greet attendees. Drinks […]
STEVEN CLAYDON IN CONVERSATION
Internationally renowned artist Steven Claydon will join audiences in The MERL galleries to discuss his new commission and how it responds to the museum’s spaces and collections. Reading International is Reading’s new contemporary visual arts organization promoting and commissioning major solo exhibitions, group and thematic shows, and a programme of events including performances, film screenings, workshops, talks, offsite […]
In the Aftermath of Empire: Postcolonial Careering of Former Colonial Experts
This seminar examines former British colonial officials and staff with post-independence careers in overseas development, including some with links to the University of Reading. Many continued to work in former colonial territories, including for international agencies such as the Food and Agriculture Organization. These histories help to deepen understanding of how the last generation of […]
STEVEN CLAYDON – THE OUTSIDE IN AT THE MERL
As part of a major new commission for Reading International, artist and curator Steven Claydon has created three sculptural installations for the galleries of The Museum of English Rural Life. Objects from Claydon’s personal collection, gathered from across the world, and new sculptural works have been introduced into the displays to explore how we attach […]
READING FILM TRAIL
The London Short Film Festival (LSSF) has curated a special visual film trail responding to Reading’s waterways, heritage and communities for the Reading on Thames festival. Renowned as “the best short film festival in the world!”, the London Short Film Festival has been recognised as the premiere UK showcase for cutting edge homegrown and international […]