The Museum of English Rural Life
@themerl.bsky.social
The Museum of English Rural Life, University of Reading. We explore the history of the English countryside and its people. Chaotic Good.
https://merl.reading.ac.uk/
https://merl.reading.ac.uk/
Pinned
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
@themerl.bsky.social had me at "dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards"
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 5:19 PM
@themerl.bsky.social had me at "dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards"
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
They always have fun, beautiful stuff!
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 4:23 PM
They always have fun, beautiful stuff!
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
CHICKENPANTS
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 3:54 PM
CHICKENPANTS
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
someone please fix international shipping prices so I can add a MERL coffee mug to my collection, TIA
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 3:47 PM
someone please fix international shipping prices so I can add a MERL coffee mug to my collection, TIA
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
On my Christmas list every year …
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 3:28 PM
On my Christmas list every year …
thank you Professor Goose
I don’t buy Christmas gifts but if you do, here are some cool ideas that also support a museum instead of a billionaire
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 3:20 PM
thank you Professor Goose
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
My Look at this Absolute Unit mugs and coasters were a hit last year.
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 3:06 PM
My Look at this Absolute Unit mugs and coasters were a hit last year.
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 3:01 PM
we don't have a Christmas advert but we *do* have an online shop with mugs, t-shirts and more that will dramatically heighten the rural representation within your personal wardrobe and kitchen cupboards
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
explore: merl-shop.co.uk
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
THREAD. A collection of photographs of excellent sheep I have met on walks.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
November 14, 2025 at 9:48 AM
THREAD. A collection of photographs of excellent sheep I have met on walks.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
You will find the captions to each photo in the alt text.
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Thanks to @georgemonbiot.bsky.social for a fascinating discussion about the past and future of rural life, food, and farming. Lots of links to @themerl.bsky.social. Here’s Part 1 of our conversation, expertly edited by my co-presenter @joevaughan.net.
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 13, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Thanks to @georgemonbiot.bsky.social for a fascinating discussion about the past and future of rural life, food, and farming. Lots of links to @themerl.bsky.social. Here’s Part 1 of our conversation, expertly edited by my co-presenter @joevaughan.net.
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
A MERL-Monbiot Collab!
On an issue that is relevant on this side of the pond.
On an issue that is relevant on this side of the pond.
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 13, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A MERL-Monbiot Collab!
On an issue that is relevant on this side of the pond.
On an issue that is relevant on this side of the pond.
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
getting the chance to speak with the wonderful @georgemonbiot.bsky.social has been one of the highlights of my year. I hope you enjoy this episode!
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
getting the chance to speak with the wonderful @georgemonbiot.bsky.social has been one of the highlights of my year. I hope you enjoy this episode!
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 13, 2025 at 4:45 PM
New Absolute Units is here!
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Throughout history, people have pitted town & country against each other. Where does this dynamic come from? And how do we transcend it?
In this two-part episode, @georgemonbiot.bsky.social joins us to explore these questions & more.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
I try my hardest to stop buying books but sometimes it is just too difficult.
November 10, 2025 at 7:34 AM
I try my hardest to stop buying books but sometimes it is just too difficult.
!!!
November 13, 2025 at 1:54 PM
!!!
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
I really enjoyed the halloween episode of the @themerl.bsky.social’s podcast, Absolute Units.
It features another favourite podcaster of mine, Mark Norman of @folklorepod.bsky.social.
Have a listen here: merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
It features another favourite podcaster of mine, Mark Norman of @folklorepod.bsky.social.
Have a listen here: merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Absolute Units - The Museum of English Rural Life podcast
Come for the big animals. Stay for fascinating and surprising stories about England's rural past, as told by our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk
November 12, 2025 at 8:20 PM
I really enjoyed the halloween episode of the @themerl.bsky.social’s podcast, Absolute Units.
It features another favourite podcaster of mine, Mark Norman of @folklorepod.bsky.social.
Have a listen here: merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
It features another favourite podcaster of mine, Mark Norman of @folklorepod.bsky.social.
Have a listen here: merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Interested in art? Join @unirdg-artcol.bsky.social tonight for a free online talk!
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Closer Look: Conversations with a Curator - The Museum of English Rural Life
Join us for our second season of exciting free online talks, where you’ll get the chance to dive deep into the world of art with our expert curators, conservators and scholars. Discover the stories be...
merl.reading.ac.uk
November 6, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Interested in art? Join @unirdg-artcol.bsky.social tonight for a free online talk!
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Print historian Martin Andrews will dive into the work of Allen W. Seaby (1867-1963), ornithological painter, printmaker, and former professor at the University of Reading.
merl.reading.ac.uk/event/conver...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
It was indeed really great to talk with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
Absolute Units returns next Thursday with a very special guest: the author, journalist and environmentalist @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 6, 2025 at 2:42 PM
It was indeed really great to talk with @georgemonbiot.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
I don’t think we spoke about this on the pod, but he’d been reading work by historian Philip Conford, whose work on the organic movement resulted in fascinating early archives finding their way here to @themerl.bsky.social.
roses are red
some wolves are dire
some wolves are dire
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM
roses are red
some wolves are dire
some wolves are dire
Absolute Units returns next Thursday with a very special guest: the author, journalist and environmentalist @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
November 6, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Absolute Units returns next Thursday with a very special guest: the author, journalist and environmentalist @georgemonbiot.bsky.social!
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Join us then as we explore links between people & land, urban and rural, & connect George's work to our collections.
merl.reading.ac.uk/explore/abso...
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
I have the most excellent colleagues.
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 9:39 PM
I have the most excellent colleagues.
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
came across this with no context but you know what, sure okay
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 2:33 PM
came across this with no context but you know what, sure okay
Reposted by The Museum of English Rural Life
Gentlemen...
in short:
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
if you're looking for love, get your nuts out by the fire.
November 5, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Gentlemen...