News and Views

Black and white photograph of 3 men with a Dowty tractor. Behind them, another tractor sails majestically through the clouds.
Author
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Published Date
April 1, 2021

The Tractor Whisperers (an April Fool’s)

Its members were known as the tractor whisperers, achieving feats of tractor mastery well beyond the human ken. But what was the Order of Credulum?

51 Voices - The MERL is 70 project logo on a background of part of an O'Connell wallhanging from 1951
Author
Joe
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Published Date
March 31, 2021

51 Voices: Digging Deeper

Discover the five latest entries in 51 Voices, a year-long anniversary project celebrating seventy years since The MERL’s foundation in 1951.

Clydesdale gelding, Colin, owned by Corporation of Glasgow, Cleansing Department, 20 Trongate, Glasgow
Author
Tim Jerrome
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Published Date
March 5, 2021

Horseman’s Word: a secret society of horse wizards

Potions, initiations, and dating advice. The story of a group of horsemen who convinced 19th century Britain of their magical powers.

Five children/evacuees standing in a row, smiling in the sun
Author
Susanna Ivy
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Published Date
March 4, 2021

More Hidden Stories

Learn more about the storytelling project with The MERL and Age UK focusing on celebrating the life histories of Reading’s older population.

51 Voices - The MERL is 70 project logo on a background of part of an O'Connell wallhanging from 1951
Author
Joe
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Published Date
March 2, 2021

51 Voices: of Mice and Museums

Explore the latest pieces to be displayed within 51 Voices, a year-long project celebrating The MERL’s 70th anniversary in 2021.

A view of rolling Suffolk pastures. Trees dot the horizon.
Author
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Published Date
February 25, 2021

Queer Rural Connections: queer history and belonging in the countryside

Learn about Queer Rural Connections, an artistic project uncovering queer rural histories and challenging narratives about queer experience.

51 Voices - The MERL is 70 project logo on a background of part of an O'Connell wallhanging from 1951
Author
Alison Hilton
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Published Date
February 5, 2021

51 Voices: from Protest to Performance

Learn about 51 Voices, The MERL’s 70th anniversary project, and explore the first four pieces of the fifty-one available to enjoy at our online exhibition.

Front view of The MERL
Author
Susanna Ivy
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Published Date
January 13, 2021

Staff Stories – what Culture Recovery Fund support means to us

Staff stories of how the Arts Council England’s Culture Recovery Fund is helping The MERL deal with the effects of lockdown and create a resilient future

Featured image - tapestry from Festival of Britain.
Author
Ollie Douglas
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Published Date
January 11, 2021

The MERL at 70: introducing 51 Voices

Discover 51 Voices, a year-long project to mark our 70th anniversary, exploring and responding to objects related to our founding year.