THE MERL SEMINARS: LAND AND FOLK
Land and folk have often been portrayed romantically. They routinely play a part in stories of nationhood and identity. Our understandings of them are deeply rooted in the past yet still brought regularly to the fore in contemporary explorations of the countryside. This series of talks and discussions offers different perspectives on our complex relationships […]
FOLK: A MERL LATE
JOIN US FOR A FUN EVENING OF DRINKS, LIVE MUSIC, ACTIVITIES AND TALKS ON THE THEME OF FOLK Book in advance via Eventbrite or on the door (subject to availability) £0 – the cost of tickets for this event is covered by Being Human sponsorship Please note this event is suitable for ages 18+ only LIVE MUSIC […]
STEPPING OUT OF TIME: THE MERL ANNUAL LECTURE
At the MERL Annual Lecture this year, accordionist, singer and clog dancer Hannah James presents a world premiere response at to the museum’s collections and the traditions that have helped to shape them. Her performance will be in a specially commissioned pair of clogs made by craftsman Geraint Parfitt at St Fagan’s Museum. The piece […]
HERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2018: EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN
Join us for special guided tours of the MERL, introducing some Extraordinary Women who have contributed to the historic stories of the museum and the University of Reading collections Places are limited – booking is essential Tour 1: The Extraordinary Women gallery tours (1 hour) will run: Thurs 6 Sept – 10:30 & 14:30 Sun […]
THE MERL FAMILY PICNIC
BRING A PICNIC, YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR TEDDY AND JOIN US IN THE MERL GARDEN FOR FOOD-THEMED FUN Have a go at oat-rolling Test out our ‘Sensory Cow’. Record your moo! Try milking Daisy the Cow Follow the Food Facts Trail in the MERL galleries Enjoy make-and-take and colouring activities Try out our new woodland […]
THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: A BUG’S LIFE
JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF BUG EXPLORATION AND THEMED CRAFT ACTIVITIES IN THE MERL GARDEN SESSIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 3 – 11* AND WILL INCLUDE: a bug trail Trying out bug catching and viewing equipment Bug-themed crafts A visit from a local bee-keeper Outdoor play (for under-7s, similar to the MERL’s […]
BOOK LAUNCH: HANDLING
Join us to celebrate the launch of ‘Handling’ by poet-in-residence, Jack Thacker Join us to celebrate the launch of a new collection by poet and farmer’s son, Jack Thacker. This exciting volume has been produced in partnership with local publishers Two Rivers Press. The words within are inspired directly by Jack’s personal experiences and by collections […]
CLIMATE SYMPOSIUM: “A WORLD WITHOUT…..”
We are excited to be hosting our first ever Reading Fringe Festival event this year! BBC Radio 3 Presenter and Festival guest curator Fiona Talkington hosts a lively lunchtime debate with special guests who have an interest in ice, climate change, silence, darkness and beyond. Panellists Terje Isungset Internationally renowned ice musician and Director of Ice Music […]
WHITEKNIGHTS STUDIO TRAIL
The MERL is very pleased to host 3 artists as part of this year’s Whiteknights Studio Trail Joan McQuillan www.diveristy.textileart.com Stitched embroidered textiles. “Combining research, experimenting and using a wide variety of media I strive to push boundaries to create something unique with fabric and thread.” Kate Powell www.katepowell.org Upholstery, textile design. Kate Powell is […]
TERRIFIC TREES FAMILY EVENT
JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF FUN TREE-THEMED GAMES AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES IN THE MERL GARDEN. SESSIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 3 – 11* AND WILL INCLUDE: Paint with natural paint brushes and have a go at leaf printing Twig frames; twig pencil holder; create your own twig art. (Ages 6 +)* Identify the […]