The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a transformative period in Europe. Developments in industry, technology and transportation altered life beyond recognition. It was against this backdrop of unprecedented social, economic and political change that a new generation of artists began to challenge traditional artistic practices. These artists would eventually create what we now […]

This exhibition is a captivating exploration of the enduring legacy of folklore and magic. It explores the dynamic nature of folk tales, folk art, magic, and healing wisdom, using the MERL collections, University of Reading's Art Collection, Special Collections, Herbarium and Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology. It has been designed by third-year Museum Studies students […]

Embrace the power of presence, even in absence Museums tell many stories through their collections. What it is unclear is how many are absent. The MERL is hosting ‘Absent Tales’, a temporary exhibition inspired by the museum and its collection. In this show, MA students from the University of Reading School of Art have used […]