Should a war medal be polished to a shine or left tarnished to show its journey? If a vase is broken, should we glue it back together, or display the pieces as they are?
These are just some of the questions up for debate in the final Public Assembly in Herefordshire Museums & Galleries’ series, taking place on Tuesday, 8 July at Ledbury Library.
At this free event, we will be asking for your views on how the museum should present objects from the past. Does restoring something bring history back to life, or does it erase part of it? Should we make things look as they once did, or show them as they are now? The discussion will explore how we balance preserving, repairing and respecting the marks of time.
Hosted by the museum team, the discussion is open and informal, with everyone encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences. From paintings and pottery to clothing, medals, and more, these decisions are rarely simple, and we want to hear what you think.
The Assembly runs from 4.30-5.45 pm and is open to anyone. No booking is required, just drop-in and join the conversation.
Damian Etheraads, Museum and Art Gallery Lead at Herefordshire Council, says:
As we plan new displays for the redeveloped museum, we’re having to make real decisions about how objects are presented; whether to restore them, conserve them, or leave them exactly as they are. This Assembly is a chance for local people to help us think through those choices. Their views will shape how Herefordshire’s stories are told in the new museum
The Public Assemblies are part of the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery Redevelopment and are generously funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. With thanks to National Lottery players.