What Does a Brew Mean to You?

We are working to diversify the voices within our displays and stories told, collaborating with our communities and partners.

The Second Floor Balcony of The Harris is a space that showcases the rich history of the museum, displaying a wide range of objects, books, and artworks that explore Preston’s global stories. From ancient Egypt to modern times, our collections offer a glimpse into the lives of people and societies around the world. On the Second Floor, we will be looking at themes of trade and empire through more diverse perspectives. We acknowledge that we don’t always have the answers, so we are working closely with local community groups and partners to reinterpret the collections, to learn and share stories in honest and respectful ways. Through this approach, The Harris aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives to be heard and appreciated.

Project curator Raj Pal, who is a curator, historian and activist will be supporting the team in exploring these subjects and providing his expertise, guidance, and experience throughout the development of the designs. Through this project, they will be working with members of The Harris team, UCLan academics such as Professor Sunny Xin Lui and Feixia Yu, Director of UCLan’s Confucius Institute, and community members to explore the theme of tea through this lens. We will be addressing the interpretation in our Discover Preston Gallery, alongside the story of cotton and Preston’s mill heritage, to ensure we reflect these wider stories and the impacts of this heritage within our storytelling.