MERL What's On guide, January to July 2014

The Museum of English Rural Life is part of the University Museums and Special Collections Services

What’s on Events and exhibitionsJanuary – July 2014

www.reading.ac.uk/merl call us on 0118 378 8660

Information2


How to bookcall us on 0118 378 8660 visit www.reading.ac.uk/merl email us at [email protected]

Event information BOOK Places on these events are

limited and booking is required.

REGISTER Please let us know if you are planning to attend.

DROP-IN There is no need to book for these events. Activities take between 10 and 30 minutes. Come along at any time during the session. Timed tickets may be issued at busy times.

TICKET A ticket is required for these events. Please book in advance.

FREE Many of our events are free to everyone.

£ Where charges apply, payment for booked events is required in advance (see terms and conditions on website or call 0118 378 8660 for details). Credit card payments can be taken. A charge may apply to some bookings.

Families are welcome at MERL. Please remember that children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please see website or call 0118 378 8660 for details.

Please note that dates can be subject to change so please phone to check if you are planning a special trip.

Stay in touchThere are several ways you can keep up to date with news and events at MERL.To join our mailing list to receive this guide and/or a monthly e-bulletin with details of events and activities, email [email protected]

Follow MERL at twitter.com/MERLReadingFind MERL on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MuseumofEnglishRuralLife

Also find us on:

Volunteer at MERLWhether you’re looking for a way to learn new skills, make friends or gain experience, volunteering is a great way to get involved in a wide range of projects at MERL and with the other Museums and Collections at the University of Reading.Visit our website or contact our Volunteer Coordinator on 0118 378 8660 to find out how you could become part of the team…

Collecting the countryside: 20th century rural culturesNormal opening hours until Autumn 2014 Temporary exhibition space

FREE | DROP-IN

Since 2008 MERL has been adding to its collections, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Collecting Cultures programme. This exhibition gives a taste of the 20th century objects that have been acquired and challenges visitors to suggest the contemporary objects the Museum needs to collect for the future. The exhibition will help the Museum to explore how to incorporate more recent histories and representations of the English countryside into its displays as part of the Our Country Lives project.

Exhibitions 3

email us at [email protected]

University of Reading Special CollectionsThe University’s Special Collections, which include archives of national and international importance and rare books, can be accessed via the reading room at MERL. Regular displays at MERL showcase the collections. For further details visit www.reading.ac.uk/special-collections email [email protected] or call 0118 378 8660

Staircase hall displays FREE | DROP-IN | Normal opening hours

Italy at war: a selection from the archives4 February – 30 March

The University holds fascinating records relating to modern Italian history. This display will highlight the rare survivals of documents from the Repubblica di Salò – Mussolini’s final Fascist state that lasted from 1943 to 1945 – and the archive of Cecil Sprigge, Reuter’s chief correspondent in Italy from 1943 to 1946.This exhibition is part of the AHRC-funded project ‘Mapping literary Space: intellectuals, journals, publishing houses in Italy, 1940–1960) led by Dr Daniela La Penna, Associate Professor in Italian Studies, Department of Modern Languages and European Studies, University of Reading in conjunction with the University of Manchester.


Performing protest: riots against technological change in the 19th century22 March, 11.30am – 12.30pm, repeated 2.30 – 3.30pm, Museum

£4 / £2 concessions including refreshments Booking required

Join us for an immersive theatrical performance to find out what happened during the Swing Riots in 1831. Follow the characters from this tumultuous period around the Museum and hear their stories about life and work in the countryside at the time. Meet William Winterborn accused of being the illusive ‘Captain Swing’ and choose whether to support him or the landowners who were trying to protect their new machinery. We will explore the causes, events and aftermath of the Swing Riots both locally and nationally.Not suitable for under 16s

Special events4

Stargazing: Exploring the universe from the comfort of Reading22 and 23 March 6.00pm onwards, Staircase Hall

FREE | DROP-IN

Fun for all the family, regardless of the weather. With the help of the local astronomical society, there will be the chance to look through some powerful telescopes, hear talks and have a go at activities. For further details visit www.britishscienceassociation.org/readingscienceweek Suitable for all ages

Special events 5


MERL after hours

1951 Vintage Night

17 May, 8.00 ‘til late, Museum

Tickets available in advance (£5 / £3 concs) or on the door (£6/ £4 concs) Suitable for adults and students

For Museums at Night 2014, the Museum of English Rural Life will be turning back the clock to 1951, the year that the museum first began, and holding a fabulous 1950s vintage night. See a fascinating display of some of the museum’s first acquisitions and watch some fabulous 1950s film from the museum’s archive. Why not dig out your petticoats and winklepickers and join us for an evening of live music, jiving, cocktails, vintage crafts and stalls?!


Special events6

MERLVILLAGE

DISPLAYS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND ACTIVITIES ON THE THEME OF FOOD

GROWING AND PRODUCTION

BISCUIT BAKE-OFF COMPETITION

SATURDAY 31 MAY10.00AM–4.30PM

www.reading.ac.uk/merl/villagefete

FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST:

BUNNY GUINNESSTRADITIONAL ENTERTAINMENT

MORRIS DANCERS | GAMES | FACEPAINTING FREE FAMILY WORKSHOP | BEER TENT | HOG ROAST &

VEGGIE STREET FOOD | CREAM TEAS

£2.50 ADVANCE £3 ON THE DOOR * | CHILDREN FREE

* all ticket proceeds will support the MERL Redevelopment Appeal

FOR MORE INFO AND TO BOOK TICKETS VISIT:

OUR COUN

TRY LIVES•


Special events 7

Research in action: Sensory Objects showcase9 June, Museum Day time taster sessions followed by twilight seminarFREE | Contact us for details

The Sensory Objects project, a collaboration between the Department of Art and the School of Systems Engineering at the University of Reading and the University of East London, has been working with students from Reading College LLD/D (Learners with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities) department to create interactive sensory objects in response to their experiences at the Museum of English Rural Life. This event will allow a range of audiences to experience some of the project’s workshop activities. Taster sessions will include creating simple electronic circuits using and creating sound effects for MERL archive silent farming films.Suitable for adults, students, SEN learners and educators

Research showcase: the creative industries11 June, Museum

FREE | Contact us for details

This event will showcase how the University of Reading’s world-leading research feeds into the UK’s creative economy, with emphasis on theatre and film. A small exhibition of key items from the University’s collections that support creative industries research – including the iconic manuscript for Samuel Beckett’s first novel; and a film showing of a creative response to the University’s Evacuee Archive. Other events throughout the day (for the public and schools) will highlight research by PhD students working in the Film, Theatre and Television Department fits with creative industries.Suitable for the general public, sixth form students and their teachers

Adult Learners Week 18 June, 2.00 – 4.00pm, Museum

£1 including refreshments | Booking required

A behind the scenes event for anyone interested in finding out what it is really like to work in a museum and archive. From collections management to public engagement, access all areas during this unique event and learn about MERL’s lifelong learning opportunities.Suitable for adults and students

Whiteknights Studio Trail14 & 15 June, 11.00am – 6.00pm, Museum

FREE | DROP-IN

A walking tour of artists’ studios in the University of Reading area. The Museum will host a number of artists during the weekend. MERL is one of the few venues serving refreshments, so come along for tea and cake or bring a picnic to enjoy in our beautiful garden.


OUR COUN

TRY LIVES•

8

Our Country LivesThe Museum of English Rural Life is changing. Have your say.MERL, which is owned and managed by the University of Reading, is embarking on a Heritage Lottery funded project of rejuvenating its displays and finding new stories to tell from our collections.

We have developed a new interpretation scheme that allows us to show more of the collection, including our spectacular textiles. We want to address how country life has changed over generations and how it remains the same. We also plan to offer a new programme of activities in the galleries and the

garden. For more information about the project, follow us on Our Country Lives – the new MERL blog at blogs.reading.ac.uk/merl

To find out how you can get involved, including opportunities to be a part of focus groups, please contact: Adam Koszary, Project Officer e-mail [email protected] tel 0118 378 8660

OUR COUN

TRY LIVES•

OUR COUN

TRY LIVES•

Visiting MERL 9


MERL collectionsSixty years after MERL was founded, today’s Museum is a light, modern space teeming with objects. The imaginative displays show the changes in life and work in the countryside over the last 200 years, from horse power to tractors and village crafts to modern farming.

Library and archives The public are welcome to use the reading room to access MERL’s library and archives.

Guide bookThis richly illustrated new guide provides a fascinating overview of MERL’s varied collections and a brief history of the Museum.

Family friendlyFrom trails, games and brass rubbing to ‘Ways of Seeing’ boxes and dressing up, there are always plenty of activities for families. Pick up a copy of our new MERL families guide for details of all our events and activities for families, or visit the ‘family friendly’ page on our website for ideas on how to make the best of your visit.

Museum shopThe MERL shop is filled with a carefully selected range of gifts, books, greetings cards and toys for all budgets. All profits go towards funding our events programme, so help support MERL by shopping with us!

Guided toursOur introductory film sets the scene but if you want to know more, why not go on a free guided tour, available at 3 pm on Wednesdays and at weekends. You can also choose to join the guide on a behind-the-scenes visit to the object stores to see some hidden gems. Guided tours or talks can be organised for groups at other times by prior arrangement.

GardenEnjoy the beautiful MERL garden! A peaceful haven in the centre of Reading, it is the perfect place for a picnic or to let off steam!

Eat and drinkA bright, modern café bar in the University buildings right next door to MERL. A wide selection of hot and cold food and drinks. Visit the MERL website for opening hours.

Visiting MERL


Adult learning10

Somerset Morris: West Country Friendly Society stave dancers21 January Chloe Metcalfe, Independent Researcher

Using antique Friendly Society stave heads, Somerset Morris has performed stave dancing across England and further afield for over 30 years. Hear about the team’s passion for this traditional and localised dance form. Followed by a pop-up display of MERL’s Friendly Society pole heads (staves) .

The Full English: unlocking hidden treasures of England’s cultural heritage28 January Malcolm Taylor, Library Director, English Folk Dance and Song Society

‘The Full English’ project made accessible an enormous digital archive of early twentieth century English folk arts manuscripts. Here, the Director of the Society’s Library explores how the digitisation and cataloguing process has been enhanced through community engagement and creativity.Followed by a pop-up exhibition offering the chance to see relevant material from the collections, including a hobby horse costume with connections to EFDSS.

Basketry skills as intangiblecultural heritage4 February Greta Bertram, Museum of English Rural Life

Craft skills are recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. Using the example of basketry, this talk will examine the idea of heritage craft, explore values that basketmakers ascribe to their work, and look to the future of intangible craft skills.Followed by a pop-up exhibition of baskets and a chance to talk about MERL’s current Stakeholders project.

Ghosts and belief: religion and folklore11 February Dr Paul Cowdell, University of Hertfordshire/ The Folklore Society

Barely anywhere in England lacks a ghost story. This seminar, based on recent fieldwork, examines English folk eschatology, including its interaction with more institutionally expressed religious beliefs, and the apparent disjuncture between them.

MERL seminars: untouchable England1.00 – 2.00 pm, Conference room (pop-up exhibitions in mezzanine store)FREE | REGISTER | ADULTS Feel free to bring your lunchThis series draws inspiration from the fact that the MERL collections may soon be packed away temporarily as part of the Our Country Lives project. This seems a timely moment to give thought to the less material facets of life in rural England. How can we best explore stories, performances, poetry, folklore, mythology, and skills and knowledge of rural people? These lunchtime talks offer fresh perspectives and thought-provoking content about how different forms of intangible heritage might help us explore and better understand rural England.

Adult learning 11


‘I catch them at intervals’: knowing and not-knowing in The Piper at the Gates of Dawn18 February Dr Neil Cocks, Department of English Language and Literature, University of Reading

Dr Neil Cocks will discuss issues of language and narration in the central, mystical chapter of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows.Followed by a pop-up exhibition of different editions of the book.

Sounds Familiar? Exploring British accents and dialects’25 February Jonnie Robinson, Lead Curator of Sociolinguistics, British Library

This talk will introduce the Library’s audio collections, resources and services and present examples from the Library’s sound archives that document British English accents and dialects.Followed by the chance to hear a rare recording of the celebrated bowl turner George Lailey being interviewed by the BBC in the 1940s.

The Museum of British Folklore: a new cultural venture4 March Simon Costi (1.00 – 2.00pm), followed by Obby Robinson (2.00 – 2.45pm)Simon Costin shares progress of The Museum of British Folklore project which aims to provide a physical home for a heritage that is both tangible and intangible, including British custom, superstition, and tradition. Followed by a reading in the Museum gallery by Obby Robinson of poems from his most recent collection – The Witch-House of Canewdon and Other Poems, inspired by English folklore.

The Dark Monarch: magic and modernity in British art11 March Professor Alun Rowlands, Department of Art, University of Reading

In 2010, Tate St Ives mounted an exhibition exploring the influence of folklore, mysticism, mythology and the occult on modern British art. Professor Rowlands revisits a performance commissioned from folk dancers and mummers and discusses how art has been used as a vehicle to explore legend and landscape.

MERL and the BBC: rural re-enactment and gestural reconstruction in the 1950s18 March Dr Ollie Douglas, Museum of English Rural Life

MERL’s first curators used public history to record ways of life seen to be disappearing. During the 1950s, re-enactments of rural processes were broadcast on television. This talk explores how such approaches provided insight into the intangible world of the past.Followed by a ‘pop-up’ exhibition of objects used in television recordings or with connections to radio.

12


Reading’s First World War29 AprilBrendan Carr, Community Engagement Curator, Reading Museum

The origins of the First World War: an historical perspective6 May Jolyon Lloyd, Independent Scholar

Food security in the Great War: the contribution of wartime farmers20 May Dr John Martin, Reader in Agrarian History, De Montfort University

Open spaces after the Great War: remembrance, recreation and reafforestation10 June Professor Keith Grieves, Professor of History and Education, Kingston University

‘Be you Berkshire?’ The Berkshire Yeomanry during the First World War17 June Captain Andrew French, Assistant Honorary Curator, Berkshire Yeomanry Museum

Food, diet and consumption on the Home Front: standard of living amongst rural households during the First World War24 June Dr Nicola Verdon, Reader in Modern British History, Sheffield Hallam University

Eggs Enlisted? Egg production and the impact of war1 July Professor Karen Sayer, Professor of Social and Cultural History, Leeds Trinity University

MERL seminars: The Great War and the countryside1.00 – 2.00 pm, Conference room FREE | REGISTER | ADULTS Feel free to bring your lunch

This special series of MERL Seminars has been convened in collaboration with The Friends of the University of Reading as part of a wider programme of events to mark a century since the outbreak of the First World War. The talks will reveal a range of narratives, including some connected with Berkshire and Reading. Others will chart the varied ways in which this terrible conflict came to impact upon the British countryside and beyond.For full details of each seminar, visit www.reading.ac.uk/merl/WW1seminars

Adult learning

The Friends’ heritage event: Reading and the Great War27 April, 1.00 – 5.00pm London Road campus

£3 | CHILDREN FREE

A special event, hosted by The Friends of the University, marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War and its impact on Reading and the University. Do you have any memories of or objects ssociated with Reading and the Great War? From stories to artifacts, we invite you to share them with us. We are particularly interested in items of uniform to help form part of our display. Please contact: [email protected] 0118 378 4313Featuring interactive exhibits and performances.Right The University War Memorial clock tower, London Road campus

‘The Arts of Peace’: Poetry in the garden28 July, 6.30pm – 8.00pm Museum

£3 | Book in advance

Come along to a summer’s evening of poetry for the launch of the new Two Rivers Press book. The Arts of Peace: An Anthology. Hear readings by the poets, enjoy a glass of wine and take a stroll around the Museum and garden.

Adult learning 13


Reading University College: WW1 and beyond1 April – 31 August, MERL opening hours Staircase Hall

FREE | DROP-IN

Funded by Arts Council England and inspired by the University of Reading Memorial Book and Clock Tower Memorial, this exhibition reveals the stories of the men and women with connections to the then Reading University College, who fell during the First World War. The exhibition also looks at the theme of War in a broader sense with interesting items from MERL and the Special Collections relating to other conflicts.

Above Ernest Denny 1889–1917


Special collections and regular events14

Rural reads Last Thursday of the month 5.30 – 7.00pm Museum

FREE | DROP-IN | £1.50 for tea & biscuits

The MERL book club focuses on books with a rural theme. Join in an informal discussion in the relaxed and atmospheric setting of the Museum.

Guided toursWednesdays and weekends 3.00 – 3.45 pm

FREE | Book in advance or drop in

Let our fully trained tour guides tell you the fascinating stories behind the objects on display. Taking part in a tour is also the only way to visit the store, an unexpected treasure trove packed with some of the Museum’s most important collections from textiles to baskets, models to sewing machines! You’ll be amazed by the hidden gems you’ll find.Guided tours can be organised for groups at other times by prior arrangements.

The new MERL families guide, bursting with details of all our fun events and activities for families, is available to pick up at the Museum or to download from our website.Find details of: • weekly sessions

for toddlers• half term holiday

workshops• regular

interactive guided tours for families

• special events. Join our MERL families mailing list to receive your copy. Fill in the form on our website or email your address to [email protected]

MERL families

MERL families A guide to family events

and activities at MERLJanuary – June 2014

Museum of English Rural Life

University of Reading

Redlands RoadReading RG1 5EX

[email protected]

Tel (0118) 378 8660

www.reading.ac.uk/merl

Opening times:

Tuesday to Friday 9 am – 5 pm

Saturday & Sunday 2 – 4.30 pm

Closed Bank Holidays &

University closure days

Admission free

Museum of English Rural LifeThe Museum of English Rural Life is part of the

University Museums and Special Collections Services

Calendar 15


January

From 1 Collecting the countryside: 20th century rural cultures

Normal opening times

21 Somerset Morris: West Country Friendly Society stave dancers

1.00 – 2.00pm

28 The Full English: unlocking hidden treasures of England’s cultural heritage

1.00 – 2.00pm

30 Rural reads 5.30 – 7.00pm

February

4 Feb – 30 March

Italy at war: a selection from the archives


4 Basketry skills as intangible cultural heritage

1.00 – 2.00pm

11 Ghosts and belief: religion and folklore

1.00 – 2.00pm

18 ‘I catch them at intervals’: knowing and not-knowing in The Piper at the Gates of Dawn

1.00 – 2.00pm

25 Sounds Familiar? Exploring British accents and dialects’

1.00 – 2.00pm


March

4 The Museum of British Folklore: a new cultural venture

1.00 – 2.00pm, followed by 2.00 – 2.45pm

11 The Dark Monarch: magic and modernity in British art

1.00 – 2.00pm

18 MERL and the BBC: rural re-enactment and gestural reconstruction in the 1950s

1.00 – 2.00pm

22 Performing protest: riots against technological change in the 19th century

11.30am – 12.30pm, repeated 2.30 – 3.30pm

22 & 23 Stargazing: Exploring the universe from the comfort of Reading

6.00pm onwards


April

1 April – 31 Aug

Reading University College: WW1 and beyond


27 The Friends’ heritage event: Reading and the Great War

1.00 – 5.00pm


29 Reading’s First World War 1.00 – 2.00pm

May

6 The origins of the First World War: an historical perspective

1.00 – 2.00pm

17 1951 Vintage Night 8.00 ‘til late

20 Food security in the Great War: the contribution of wartime farmers

1.00 – 2.00pm


June

9 Research in action: Sensory Objects showcase

Day time taster sessions followed by twilight seminar

10 Open spaces after the Great War: remembrance, recreation and reafforestation

1.00 – 2.00pm

11 Research showcase: the creative industries

2.00 – 4.00pm

14 & 15 Whiteknights Studio Trail 11am – 6pm

17 ‘Be you Berkshire?’ The Berkshire Yeomanry during the First World War

1.00 – 2.00pm

18 Adult Learners Week

24 Food, diet and consumption on the Home Front: standard of living amongst rural households during the First World War

1.00 – 2.00pm


July

1 Eggs Enlisted? Egg production and the impact of war

1.00 – 2.00pm

28 ‘The Arts of Peace’: Poetry in the garden

6.30pm – 8.00pm


Key

Exhibitions

Regular events

Special events

Seminars

Adult learning

For dates of all our family events, see the MERL families guide or visit our website

What’s on guide January – July 2014

For more information, please contact:

Museum of English Rural LifeUniversity of Reading Redlands Road Reading RG1 5EX

[email protected] Tel (0118) 378 8660www.reading.ac.uk/merl

Opening timesMuseum

Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 4.30pm Closed on Mondays including Bank Holidays and on University closure days over Christmas and Easter. See website for details.

MERL Library and Archives and University Special Collections

Monday 10am – 5pm (Restricted service) Tuesday – Friday 9am – 5pm Closed on Bank Holidays and on University closure days over Christmas and Easter. See website for details.

Facilities•Disabledaccessandparking•Somefreeparking•Cycleracks•FullyaccessibleWC•Assistancedogswelcome• Inductionloopavailable•Portablestoolstotakeroundthegallery•Babychanging

MERL also has a beautiful, secluded garden and a shop filled with carefully selected gifts and cards. Refreshments are available at the University-run café bar next door.

Documents

MERL What's On guide, January to July 2014