Museums reopen with new exhibition

Artist Sarah Lowe and her work, which was inspired by stories of medical care in the Workhouse.

The Workhouse Museum, Prison & Police Museum and Courthouse Museum will reopen on Monday May 17, with a brand-new exhibition open to visitors.

Lives Unravelled, on display at the Workhouse until September 5, is a series of textile installations created by Yorkshire-based textiles group 6-Ply.

Inspired by historical research into the theme of workhouse women, the artists have used a variety of materials and techniques to convey the real experiences and imagined emotions of being a woman in Ripon Workhouse.

Together the installations form a unique and beautifully-crafted exhibition that has been entirely curated by 6-Ply with the support and guidance of Ripon Museums’ curator.

Pieces installed as part of the exhibition are Room for Mother and Infant, by Hazel Waite; Jane Button’s “Fancy Apron”, by Sarah Lowe; Veg, Glorious Veg, by Mary Exelby; Apron of Feelings, by Jenny Bradbury; and Fragments, by Eileen Sweeney.

Helen Thornton, Director at Ripon Museum Trust said: “It’s so exciting to be able to reopen our museums with this very moving and powerful temporary exhibition by local textiles group 6-Ply, inspired by the lives of women who lived and worked in Ripon Workhouse.

“We’re delighted to share these works with visitors and I hope they encourage people to consider the lives of people who lived and died here.”

Following the reopening on Monday May 17, the museums will be open Tuesday to Sunday, plus selected Bank Holidays, including Monday May 31.

Entrance to the exhibition is included in the cost of museum entry.

All tickets to Ripon Museums are valid for repeat visits over a 12-month period.

Visit riponmuseums.co.uk for bookings or telephone 01765 690799.

Ripon Museums have COVID-19 safety measures in place and have been awarded the Visit Britain We’re Good to Go industry standard.