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News and Views

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

Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
July 5, 2022

Mrs Beeton’s vegetarian feasts: vegetarian recipes from 19th century England

Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management was a staple of the Victorian kitchen. We tried our hand at recreating several of her recipes.

Workers in the Huntley & Palmers factory.
Author
Tim Jerrome
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Published Date
June 6, 2022

200 Years of Huntley & Palmers in Reading: about the exhibition

Find out about our 2022 Huntley & Palmers exhibition in the Staircase Hall, commemorating 200 years of the Biscuit Town in Reading.

A ration book.
Author
/
Published Date
May 8, 2022

How did rationing work in the Second World War?

Few items are more symbolic of daily life during the Second World War than the ration book. Learn about their history on our blog.

Author
Joe
/
Published Date
April 11, 2022

We are AMuSED: creating a toolkit for multisensory reminiscence

Learn how staff at The MERL have worked with University of Reading scientists to develop a multisensory toolkit for reminiscence.

Dr Geeta Ludhra.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
March 17, 2022

Changing Perspectives in the Countryside: Dr Geeta Ludhra

In this blog, we heard from Dr Geeta Ludhra about her work, research, and the powerful role of the countryside in her life.

A migrant worker walks through mud.
Author
Ollie Douglas
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Published Date
March 17, 2022

Feeding the Nation: the lives of seasonal migrant workers

Do we care for the people who care for our food? Learn about the Feeding the Nation project, exploring the lives of seasonal migrant workers.

Author
Joe
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Published Date
March 10, 2022

Changing Perspectives in the Countryside: Anooshka Rawden

For Changing Perspectives, Anooshka Rawden shares with us her experiences of the countryside, and its impact upon her museums practice.

'care' logo, The MERL.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
March 7, 2022

Time to take CARE

Learn about our focus for 2022: highlighting how we take care of rural heritage, the countryside’s future, and each other.

Zakiya McKenzie.
Author
Joe
/
Published Date
March 3, 2022

Changing Perspectives in the Countryside: Zakiya McKenzie

We spoke with researcher and author Zakiya McKenzie about her experience and perception of the English countryside.