Migrant Workers: the Raspberry Planter

This exhibition is part of a new series exploring the role of seasonal migrant workers in UK food security. Illustrations by Sarah Hannis provide an insight into the lives of migrant agricultural workers who came to the UK in 2020 and 2021. The accompanying story is based on interviews with workers and on photos they shared during the Feeding the Nation research project.

Join us to explore the manual labour, living conditions, and all-weather nature of seasonal farming in rural locations, but also the teamwork and satisfaction that comes from working on the land. We take you through a typical day of planting raspberries in winter.

This exhibition is a collaboration between artist Sarah Hannis, the Feeding the Nation research team, and The MERL.

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Migrant Workers: the Raspberry Planter

Detail from one of 30 ink and watercolour sketches by Sarah Hannis, provide an insight into the daily lives of migrant agricultural workers

This exhibition is part of a new series exploring the role of seasonal migrant workers in UK food security. Illustrations by Sarah Hannis provide an insight into the lives of migrant agricultural workers who came to the UK in 2020 and 2021. The accompanying story is based on interviews with workers and on photos they […]

A virtual tour – Making Rural England

Reminiscent of daily rural life, this gallery showcases rural culture through crafts, living spaces, hunting and more. The diversity of countryside people throughout history is encapsulated by these displays.

A virtual tour – Forces for Change

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A virtual tour – A Year on the Farm

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A virtual tour of The MERL galleries

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A series of colourful paper puppet figures showing farm animals, vehicles, and rural features

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