Migrant workers: Summer on a strawberry farm
In a previous exhibition, illustrations by Sarah Hannis showed the work of seasonal migrants in winter. As we progress to warmer months, this exhibition shows the role of migrant workers during summer on a UK strawberry farm. The story is based on interviews with workers and on photos they shared during the Feeding the Nation […]
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 […]
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
Farming has existed since humankind could walk, and has constantly been propelled forward by new tools and technologies. This gallery is dedicated to these advancements in farming, and highlights innovations that led to social as well as agricultural changes, such as the threshing machine.
A virtual tour – Town and Country
Sometimes the lines between rural and urban can become blurred, which this gallery demonstrates. It focuses on the crossover between town and country, including healthcare practice, advances in technology, and allotment farming.
A virtual tour – A Year on the Farm
Working life on the farm changes according to the season. In this gallery, discover where food comes from and learn how we have access to it all year round.
A virtual tour of The MERL galleries
Learn more information about many of the objects in The MERL galleries. Discover what they did, how they were used and made, and their connection to the countryside’s past, present, and future. To find out more about an object, click on the icon hovering above it.
Farmer Arthur’s Paper Theatre
Local artist Lisa-Marie Gibbs has joined our 70th anniversary celebration, 51 Voices. She is one of a handful of talented, creative people who have been commissioned to work with our diverse communities. Each partnership links to an item from the collection connected to 1951, our foundational year. Lisa-Marie worked with Downshire House to respond to […]