Museum of English Rural Life – Grand Opening
I was privileged to be invited to theThe Grand Opening of the newly refurbished museum on 18 October 2016.
The museum has undergone a £3 million redevelopment which has radically transformed and enlarged the public displays. The evening event was well attended and, after appropriate refreshments, was introduced by Sir David Bell KCB, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading and Kate Arnold-Forster, Director of the Museum of English Rural Life.
After the introductory speeches the guests were let loose to explore the new galleries and exhibitions. There is much to see for both the younger visitors with interactive exhibits and for the more traditional amongst us with a very good display of tools, carts, ploughs and agricultural items. The reserve collections which were on display on the upper floor were particularly interesting.
Due to the number of guests it was difficult to get many clear photographs but hopefully these will give an idea of what is there.
If anyone needs an incentive to visit the TATHS library then the new museum will cover that. Well worth a visit and admission is free.
Tony Waldis
The Tools and Trades History Society is an educational charity, whose aim is to further the knowledge and understanding of hand tools and the trades in which they were used.