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News and Views

Discover stories from our collections, work, research, and events. Warning: may contain absolute units.

flowers planted in a wheelbarrow in the MERL garden
Author
Alison Hilton
/
Published Date
April 4, 2023

Green Stories from The MERL Garden: Spring

As part of ‘Our Green Stories’ find out we are preparing The MERL garden for the growing season and creating a haven for wildlife this Spring.

Blue Fordson tractor
Author
Tim Jerrome
/
Published Date
March 10, 2023

Ploughing Pioneers: Tractor history through The MERL collections

Explore the history of farming’s most iconic vehicle, and learn how our historical collections can be used to deepen your tractor knowledge.

Grow Your Own display in the Town and Country gallery at The MERL
Author
Alison Hilton
/
Published Date
March 7, 2023

Turning Wasted Opportunities into Food Futures

For Food Waste Action Week, The MERL curators explore approaches to food waste inspired by the museum’s collections and activities

A black and white image of a huge meeting of members of the women's institute
Author
/
Published Date
March 6, 2023

Suffrage and the Sewing Machine

Learn about how Suffragettes used sewing machines and crafts to cause havoc and spread awareness during their campaign for the right to vote.

Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 27, 2023

Green Explorers: discovering the great outdoors at The MERL

Find out about Green Explorers, a new monthly outdoor learning session in the MERL garden for children aged 5+

Museums Partnership Reading doing consultation for Our Green Stories.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
February 16, 2023

Our Green Stories: the next chapter

Read about the next steps for Our Green Stories, a Museums Partnership Reading campaign exploring environmental sustainability.

Suttons Seeds materials.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
January 26, 2023

The story of Suttons Seeds: 1806 – present

Learn about the history of Suttons Seeds, a Reading company who revolutionised the UK seed-growing industry.

Singer sewing machines.
Author
Tim Jerrome
/
Published Date
January 16, 2023

An introduction to the Barnett project

The Barnett project explores the history of the sewing machine and engages in issues relevant to the textile industry in the modern day.

Materials for a sashiko repair.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
January 12, 2023

Welcome to our January to March programme

Explore the January to March programme for 2023 at The Museum of English Rural Life. Find something for visitors of all ages to enjoy.