Community History

Marx Memorial Library awarded grant for groundbreaking community exhibition project

‘People & Protest: Radical Clerkenwell Reinterpreted’ is set to empower local residents in Islington to uncover and engage with the rich radical history of Clerkenwell Green.

By Meirian Jump, Director of the Marx Memorial Library

A group of people in a library having a workshop
A recent outreach event on radical Clerkenwell aimed at the local community. Photo: Marx Memorial Library

The Marx Memorial Library (MML) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding by the Association for Independent Museums, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, for its innovative community exhibition project ‘People & Protest: Radical Clerkenwell Reinterpreted.’ In collaboration with the Peel Centre and Finsbury Estate, this project is set to empower local residents in Islington to uncover and engage with the rich radical history of Clerkenwell Green.

The funding will support the creation of new interpretation panels, a pivotal element that will reshape the visitor experience at the MML and contribute to the library’s future planning during a critical phase in its development.

As part of the ‘People & Protest’ project, local residents will be invited to participate in a series of three workshops, immersing themselves in the history of the area. These hands-on sessions will encourage participants to connect historical themes, such as workers’ rights, women’s liberation, protest, and democracy, to their contemporary experiences. The outcome of these workshops will be a fresh interpretation of the archives, culminating in a dynamic touring exhibition.

Two people looking at old photos and documents in a library
Participants looking at the archives at a recent outreach event on radical Clerkenwell aimed at the local community. Photo: Marx Memorial Library

Meirian Jump, Director of the Marx Memorial Library, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “At this critical time in our development, we can’t wait to collaborate with the community on these fascinating components of our history. The exploration of workers’ rights, women’s liberation, protest, and democracy remains relevant today. This project is an exciting opportunity to bring these stories to life and share them with a broader audience.”

‘People & Protest: Radical Clerkenwell Reinterpreted’ exemplifies the MML’s commitment to community engagement, historical preservation, and fostering connections between past and present.

For more information please contact: Meirian Jump – [email protected] 02072531485

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