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Sew What?

January 24, 2023 - January 5, 2025
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Model wearing a cape that is part of the Sew What exhibition

We're all starting to ask more questions about fashion. Where do our clothes come from? How environmentally sustainable are they? Should we be making more and buying less? These questions aren't just relevant to modern society. The history of garment making is deeply intertwined with British culture, both rural and urban. In Sew What, we'll […]

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Our Green Stories Gallery Trail

May 1, 2023 - December 22, 2024
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Free
Our Green Stories logo

Follow our gallery trail to delve into environmental issues past and present Our Green Stories is a Museums Partnership Reading campaign exploring climate change, sustainability, and biodiversity loss through collections. Pick up a free copy of the trail at reception, and use our galleries to help you consider ways we can all care for the […]

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MERL Fashion Week

May 13, 2023 - May 21, 2023
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Detail of a square silk scarf screen printed and hand worked by designer Caitlin Hinshelwood, inspired by a visit to The MERL

Celebrating all things sewing and fashion, with a rural twist MERL Fashion Week is a product of the Barnett Project which has been exploring the stories and themes relating to the 97 sewing machines in the Barnett collection at The MERL. There will be new displays showcasing the collection, reminiscence sessions and events inspired by […]

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10:00 am

Family workshop: Totally Tote Bags

May 20, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Free
Tote bags hanging up in the Sew What exhibition

As part of MERL Fashion Week, Join members of the engagement and collections teams from The MERL to learn about the history of sewing machines, the impact of fast fashion and a chance to then make and decorate your own tote bag. At this workshop you will have chance to: Learn more about the Barnett […]

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