The absolute unit sheep.

Online exhibitions

Browse past displays from The MERL and exhibitions exclusive to our website.

We constantly add new exhibitions throughout the year, so check back regularly to discover more about English rural life and our collections!

51 Voices

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Featured image for the online exhibition.

Which object would you be interested in learning more about?

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For psychology students

Superstition and folklore object trail

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This tin bird scarer is made in the shape of a cat. Bird scarers were used to keep birds away from crops. This bird scarer was used in Surrey. (MERL 56/371)

Fowler: National and International Steam Power

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The Commons: Re-Enchanting The World

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Space to Think: Rural Wellbeing

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Queer Constellations: The Histories of Rural Gay Men

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Black and white photograph of two men looking at each other in a landscape setting, by Gemma Dagger.

Our Travelling Museum – Garland Junior

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GRT History Month: An Unfinished Painting

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Rural Queer Lives in Berkshire Criminal Archives 1861-1967

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Entrance to HMP Reading

Life Stories

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Five children/evacuees standing in a row, smiling in the sun

Farmer Arthur’s Paper Theatre

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