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News and Views

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

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.

Museums Partnership Reading volunteers.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
January 6, 2023

Digging deeper: volunteer satisfaction at The MERL and Reading Museum in 2022

Delve into the findings of our 2022 volunteer survey and explore the fantastic work our volunteers helped deliver throughout the year.

The MERL garden in winter.
Author
madeleineding
/
Published Date
December 22, 2022

Winter gardening with The MERL gardening volunteers

Hear from The MERL’s gardening volunteers about how they have prepared the garden for winter and what they are planning for 2023.

Turkeys on a farm.
Author
/
Published Date
December 19, 2022

Why do we eat turkey at Christmas?

Explore the history of why we eat turkey at Christmas and the story behind its growth in popularity over the last 500 years.

Clasp by Ingrid Pollard.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
November 30, 2022

there-and-then, an intervention by Ingrid Pollard

Discover an artistic intervention by Ingrid Pollard at The MERL, reimagining the museum’s collection of friendly society pole heads.

Huntley & Palmers products in The MERL gift shop.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
November 23, 2022

MERLy Christmas: begin the festive season this year at The MERL

Learn about MERLy Christmas, our annual Christmas shopping event. Featuring crafts, treats, and carol singing!