THE MARSH AND THE VISITORS: ALEXANDRA HARRIS
18 January: Alexandra Harris, ‘The Marsh and the Visitor’ Alexandra describes herself as a “literary critic, cultural historian, lover of buildings, landscapes, seasons, stories”. Her books include Romantic Moderns (2010) and Weatherland: Writers and Artists under English Skies (2015). The latter is an exploration of imaginative responses to the weather in England across the centuries. […]
CHRISTMAS OPENING AT THE MERL
Looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year? We’ll be open on Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th December! This year, the Museum* will be open for even more days between Christmas and New Year (27th, 28th, 29th & 30th December)! So if you need to get out of the house or are looking […]
THE MERL WINTER WARMER
Enjoy a day of seasonal family fun with Millers Ark Living Nativity and petting farm, music and activities! Meet the animals from Millers Ark petting farm Live music from The Big Band Explore a traditional Christmas with the MERL Players Follow a winter trail in the galleries Make a traditional cracker with artist Julie Roberts […]
SPECULATIVE OPTIMISM
Deirdre O’Mahony’s residency at the MERL began with the proposition, is carbon-neutral beef possible? Research at the University of Reading is currently testing the effect of different kinds of forage such as Sainfoin, on animal and soil health and on levels of methane produced by livestock. Deirdre spent the residency investigating historical references to forages […]
BEING HUMAN FESTIVAL: HOME AT THE MERL
A promenade performance in the Museum exploring experiences of migration and resettlement Reading’s newest professional dance company, Reside Dance, and members of the local community will take you on a journey of migration and encourage you to discover your own sense of belonging to the people around you and the different spaces that you inhabit. […]
BEING HUMAN FESTIVAL: WAR CHILD
Dr Teresa Murjas from the University of Reading will introduce audiences to her project ‘War Child’ This inspiring project examined the creation of the Evacuee Archive at the Museum of English Rural Life as a means of reflecting on wider experiences of children ‘on the move’. Teresa will show films from the project and answer […]
BEING HUMAN FESTIVAL: LOST AND FOUND
This year the University of Reading collections hit the headlines when librarian Erika Delbeque found a previously undiscovered, unique leaf from Caxton’s printing press. During the Being Human Festival our collections staff will curate an online exhibition across our social media accounts introducing the public to the hidden treasures that can be found in the University of […]
HOME GROWN HOUSING
Installations showcasing a collaborative community project led by Artist-in-Residence Christine Mackey Christine Mackey has been inspired by traditional practices of sustainable farm buildings and food production. Her project reinterprets the chicken coop structure. Combining scientific data, archival material and historic social practice, the project promotes the practice of diversity and self-sustainability in small-holdings and backyards. Christine […]
WELLBEING AND THE COUNTRYSIDE
A display in our Community Case exploring the relationship between wellbeing and the countryside The MERL has been exploring the complex relationships between wellbeing and the countryside with the help of rural stakeholders and local community groups. The display explores the challenges and opportunities that life in the countryside offers rural people. Issues explored include […]
GAME OVER? DYING TO TALK ABOUT DEATH AND LIFE
Join the University of Reading Institute of Education and The MERL as we open our doors for a celebration of life and remembrance! Discuss multicultural perspectives on commemorating the Dead and celebrate life through a carousel of innovative, creative and interactive workshops through Art, Music and digital technologies! This event is taking place across the London […]