Museum
Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading
Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading is a museum.
About Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading
Overview
The Museum of English Rural Life, commonly known as The MERL, is a museum, library, and archive dedicated to recording the changing face of farming and the countryside in England. Located at 6 Redlands Road in Reading, Berkshire, it is run by the University of Reading. The institution serves as a national centre for the study of the history of farming, food, and the countryside, particularly focusing on the period since 1750. It operates as a major resource and research centre with links to the University's School of History and other academic departments.
History & Founding
The museum was founded by the University of Reading in 1951, growing out of the university's long-standing academic connections with agriculture. Its founding objects were derived from the collections of the university's agricultural department and other sources. The institution was established to reflect and record the evolving landscape of rural England. In 2013, the museum underwent a significant period of redevelopment which concluded in 2016, funded in part by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the University of Reading, to modernize its facilities and galleries.
Building & Architecture
The museum is situated on the site originally occupied by a house known as East Thorpe, which was designed in 1880. The current building houses the museum's galleries, library, cafe, shop, and garden. Following the redevelopment between 2013 and 2016, the facility was updated to better serve as a public museum and research centre. The location is opposite the Royal Berkshire Hospital on Redlands Road, placing it within the university's campus environment in Reading.
Collection Highlights & Notable Holdings
The MERL houses Designated collections of national importance that span the full range of objects, archives, photographs, film, and books. Its specialist library contains approximately 30,000 books and periodicals, over 1 million photographs, numerous watercolours and drawings, and 40,000 computerized bibliographical references. The archives hold the records of major organizations including the Royal Agricultural Society of England, the National Farmers' Union, and the Council for the Protection of Rural England, alongside records of 2,500 businesses. Permanent displays feature farm tools and machinery, supported by a large reserve collection.
Significance & Role
As a national centre for the study of agrarian history, the museum plays a critical role in preserving the heritage of rural England. It functions not only as a public attraction but also as a vital research hub for scholars and students. The museum's collections provide a unique data source for understanding British agrarian history, with specific indexes and classified references available to researchers. It also engages with contemporary rural issues, hosting exhibitions on topics such as the history of the countryside protection movement and the experiences of rural communities.
What to see at Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading
Start with Painting by 1860.
