The stories behind objects in People’s History Museum’s vast collection have been given a fresh perspective and relevance for contemporary audiences. A series of short films have been created to enable people to explore and access the stories behind some of the key pieces that tell of the nation’s democratic history.
The films have been made thanks to a collaboration between People’s History Museum, Steven Fielding, Professor of Political History at the University of Nottingham and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) at the University of Nottingham, who also funded the work.
Professor Steven Fielding has used his political insight on the selection of five objects that he believes best illustrate some of the central themes and historic moments explored in the museum’s collection.
A film has been created for each of the items, examining the object’s importance to current times, with links made back to archives held at the museum. The pieces featured are:
Steven Fielding, Professor of Political History at the University of Nottingham, says, “Britain’s democratic history is an unfinished story and it is one in in which we can all play a part. Looking at moments in history can help us better understand the present. Focusing on a few significant items from People’s History Museum’s extensive collection has been a captivating way to provide a physical link between the history of democracy in Britain and contemporary political issues affecting us today.”
Jenny Mabbott, Head of Collections at People’s History Museum, says “This project makes our collection wonderfully accessible and Professor Fielding’s insightful commentary really brings it to life, demonstrating the connections and enduring significance each piece represents.”
The films will be launched to the public on Friday 7 December 2018 and can be accessed on the museum’s website and YouTube channel. Visitors to People’s History Museum will find the pieces for themselves in the museum’s main galleries, where they will also see how they form part of the overall journey of democracy and ideas worth fighting for.
People’s History Museum is open seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm, Radical Lates are on the second Thursday each month, open until 8.00pm. The museum is free to enter with a suggested donation of £5. To find out about visiting the museum, its archives and for more information visit www.phm.org.uk.
ENDS
For further information or to arrange a visit / interviews please contact Fido PR:
clare.short@fidopr.co.uk / laura.sullivan@fidopr.co.uk
0161 832 3588
Notes to editors:
About People’s History Museum (PHM)
People’s History Museum (PHM) in Manchester is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present, and future. The museum provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all. PHM offers a powerful programme with annual themes; 2018 looks at representation and commemorates 100 years since the first women and all men won the right to vote in Britain, 2019 will see a year of activities around protest movements to mark the bicentenary of the Peterloo Massacre in Manchester, and the programme for 2020 will be on the theme of migration and identity. 2017-2018 winner of Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award.
About Arts Council England (ACE)
PHM is an Arts Council England (ACE) National Portfolio Organisation (NPO). The work of PHM is supported using public funding by ACE, the national development body for arts and culture across England, working to enrich people’s lives. ACE support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to visual art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2018 and 2022, ACE will invest £1.45 billion of public money from government and an estimated £860 million from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. artscouncil.org.uk
University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage, consistently ranked among the world’s top 100. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our 44,000 students – Nottingham was named both Sports and International University of the Year in the 2019 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, was awarded gold in the TEF 2017 and features in the top 20 of all three major UK rankings. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia – part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer and industry partner – locally and globally.
See all five films on PHM’s YouTube channel.
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