Further Afield update blog – August 2024
Read the latest update from our Further Afield project, exploring how we can embrace and invite new perspectives within our interpretation.
The MERL is going Further Afield
Collections Researcher Tim Jerrome introduces our newest project at The MERL, Further Afield, which trials new approaches to community driven museum outputs, working with groups who have been historically underrepresented in the countryside.
Blueprints steam ahead!
As we launch a new range of bespoke products inspired by the engineering drawings held in the MERL archives, discover what makes this one of our most consulted collections and find out how enthusiasts use the collections to help with restoration projects.
An introduction to the Barnett project
The Barnett project explores the history of the sewing machine and engages in issues relevant to the textile industry in the modern day.
Widening participation at The MERL
Read about our learning team’s work with schools as part of The MERL’s widening participation programme.
200 Years of Huntley & Palmers in Reading: about the exhibition
Find out about our 2022 Huntley & Palmers exhibition in the Staircase Hall, commemorating 200 years of the Biscuit Town in Reading.
Time to take CARE
Learn about our focus for 2022: highlighting how we take care of rural heritage, the countryside’s future, and each other.
Updates on COVID-19
Read about how we are keeping our visitors, staff and volunteer safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Temporary reading room move – September 2021
Between 31 August and 24 September 2021, the reading room will be moving to the Conference Room to make way for essential maintenance work. The Conference Room is located above the current reading room and can be accessed via the staircase or lift from the locker room. Closure days During this period, however, we will […]
51 Voices: of Mice and Museums
This January, The MERL embarked on 51 Voices, a new year-long project celebrating the Museum’s seventieth anniversary in 2021. Throughout the year, we will be working with a range of writers, artists and different communities to give contemporary voice to fifty-one objects and archives in The MERL collection connected in myriad ways to our founding year. In this […]