(Re)interpretation of collections

Oxford University's Gardens, Libraries and Museums (GLAM) contain some of the world's most significant collections. Part of GLAM’s vision for the future is that the GLAM institutions continue to be an authoritative place to which people increasingly turn for insight into cultural and natural heritage – present and past. 

A major focus within the museum and heritage sector at present is challenging perceptions and demonstrating the vital role in society of such institutions. This can partly be achieved through cutting-edge research and teaching and ensuring evidence-based stewardship, collections care, documentation and interpretation, and sometimes re-interpretation of collections via research and/or co-creation with communities. Such work may be relatively simple or more complex, from adding a new label in a cabinet to creating new interpretation boards or displays around decolonisation, for example.

(Re)interpretation of GLAM’s collections is something that might be done as part of another piece of public engagement with research – e.g. part of a special exhibition or display, or part of co-curation project – but not usually as a public engagement with research (PER) activity in its own right. However, it has been treated as a separate category here to highlight to researchers the potential opportunity for public engagement with research.

Activities can be tailored to suit different audiences. (Re)interpretation of collections can be appropriate/useful for all audiences, and may be particularly appropriate/useful for:

•    Community groups and special interest groups
•    Underrepresented audiences

Note that this is not an exhaustive or exclusive list and that these type of activities may be suitable for groups not listed here.

Please be aware that GLAM venues have full and busy programmes and it may not be possible to pick up activities that have already been fully developed or to deal with urgent requests. Ideally, activities should be co-created with GLAM from project conception and researchers should get in contact early so that we can work together to develop your ideas. Please note that while researchers may contact GLAM departments directly they are also encouraged to contact departmental/Divisional PER facilitators for interim support/guidance.

Please note that the banner image on this page features examples of problematic old labels from the Pitt Rivers Museum as part of their Labelling Matters project which is reviewing the Museum's use of language for the 21st century.

 

GLAM PER Toolkit  |  Getting started  |
|   Opportunities by category  |  Opportunities by institution  |  Case studies  |​​​
(Please note that opportunities are subject to change)

 

  • (Re)interpretation can be a means for researchers and the public to create a lasting legacy within the GLAM collections themselves. Such work can allow particular groups to tell stories which have previously been overlooked
  • Re-interpretation requires skilful handling of issues around cultural sensitivity and access

Costs may include but are not limited to the following, depending on the activities involved:

  • Curatorial time – although may be given ‘in-kind’. See section on How much will the PER activity cost? in the GLAM PER Toolkit for further details
  • Display costs, e.g. display materials, re-labelling
  • Technical installation
  • Marketing, e.g. print costs, advertising, press/PR
  • Evaluation costs

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and that these type of activities may incur costs not listed here, particularly if other categories of PER activities are included.

Please contact the relevant team to discuss costs as soon as possible.

Examples (in alphabetical order by GLAM institution)

Decolonisation and provenance research

Ashmolean Museum

The Ashmolean accepts the challenge of continuing to question and review the interpretation of its collections and the need to critically interrogate the history of the Museum and the legacy of colonialism and empire on collections, programmes, and workforce.

Researchers could potentially work with the Museum to interpret its collections in new ways, from re-labelling to special projects and exhibitions.

Approx. costs: Costs can be variable so contact the relevant team to discuss

Example: Owning the Past | A Nice Cup of Tea?

Further information/links: The Ashmolean and colonialism webpage

Ashmolean PER projects are currently being updated. Examples and opportunities are subject to change.

Contact: PER Coordinator, Hannah Eastham (hannah.eastham@ashmus.ox.ac.uk)
 

Special projects

Bodleian Libraries

The Bodleian Libraries take part in a wide range of special projects which aim to strengthen the links between the Bodleian and local communities. The Bodleian works with researchers, artists and musicians to interpret its collections in creative ways.

Researchers in recent times have been involved in projects which have covered topics from J.R.R. Tolkien to Shakespeare, and have explored everything from the Bodleian’s renowned botanical manuscripts to the representation of Palestinian refugees in Oxfam’s archives.

Approx. costs: Costs can be variable so contact the relevant team to discuss

Example: Ethiopian & Eritrean Co-curation Project

Further examples/information: Special projects webpage

Contact: Public Engagement team (publicengagement@bodleian.ox.ac.uk)

 


Re-interpretation of collections

History of Science Museum

Opportunities for (re-)interpretation of collections include exhibitions, displays and online galleries; themes include work around decolonisation and women and science.

Researchers could potentially work with the Museum and communities to redisplay and/or re-label objects within the collections.

Approx. costs: Costs can be variable so contact the relevant team to discuss

Example: Women and Space: Inspiring the next generation of scientists

Further examples/information: Collections webpage

Contact: Public Engagement Office (publicengagement@hsm.ox.ac.uk)

 

Plant displays

Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Researchers can develop plant displays linked to a particular field of research, for which costs could include support by OBGA staff in developing a display within the collections as well as the costs of the display.

Example: Plants that Changed the World

Further examples/information: Collections webpage

Contact: Deputy Director and Head of Science (chris.thorogood@obg.ox.ac.uk)

 


Research interpretation displays and posters

Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Researchers can develop interpretation displays and posters linking research to specific collections of plants, for which costs could include interpretation board design and production.

Example: The Taxonomic Beds

Further examples/information: Collections webpage

Contact: Deputy Director and Head of Science (chris.thorogood@obg.ox.ac.uk)

 

Research information leaflets

Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum

Researchers can develop research information leaflets for visitors to take away with key messages about ongoing research and its impacts (actual or potential). Such information could also be made available on the OBGA website.

Example: The Taxonomic Beds

Further examples/information: Collections webpage

Contact: Deputy Director and Head of Science (chris.thorogood@obg.ox.ac.uk)

 


Black and white line drawing of a dinosaur jaw bone

Displays and interventions in cases

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Researchers could potentially develop special displays and interventions in cases, linked by trails, to highlight particular themes; for example, the role of women in science.

Approx. costs: Costs can be variable so contact the relevant team to discuss

Example: Women in Science (for example, Victorian palaeontologist Mary Buckland)

Further examples/information: Exhibitions and displays webpage

Contact: Exhibitions team (natasha.smith@oum.ox.ac.uk)

 

Interventions in cases

Pitt Rivers Museum

Researchers could potentially develop interventions in cases which range from placing new objects / new labels in cases and pop-up short-term photo interventions into permanent displays, to recording and sharing historically underrepresented stories through new and existing collections.

Approx. costs: Costs can be variable so contact the relevant team to discuss

Example: Labelling Matters

Further information/links: Critical changes to displays as part of the decolonisation process  webpage

Contact: Head of Public Engagement, Andy McLellan (andrew.mclellan@prm.ox.ac.uk