Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict now installed at HTR offices
The Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict exhibition is in Belfast and available for viewing at Healing Through Remembering’s offices from September 2012.
Healing Through Remembering is now currently hosting the exhibition. Viewing for the exhibition is Monday – Friday 9am -5pm and booking is highly encouraged to avoid disappointment.
If you would like to view the exhibition or have a workshop related to the exhibition, ring 02890 238844 or email projectcoord@healingthroughremembering.org to get more details or to book
Items on show include:
- A CS gas canister turned into a working lamp. The canister was fired by the RUC during the Battle of the Bogside in 1969.
- A binlid – used as a communication tool and a means of protest in nationalist areas.
- An armoured clipboard carried by police at vehicle checkpoints in ‘high-risk’ areas. It was to give protection to officers if threatened with a handgun.
- A sponger badge worn by Ballymena Councillor William Wright during a protest by loyalist strike leaders at being called “spongers” by the then Prime Minster, Harold Wilson.
- Captive Verses – a book of poems by loyalist prisoners.
- Behind the Barricades – an album by comedian James Young.
The exhibition also includes other objects, sound recordings, photographs and videos showing everyday events during the conflict. In total, more than 50 artefacts are displayed.
There are workshops available to accompany the exhibition. These offer practical activities and ideas for discussion based on the objects on display, to help promote understanding and appreciation of the different beliefs and perspectives of the conflict. If you are interested in having a workshop for your group, they are free of charge and can be booked by contacting projectcoord@healingthroughremembering.org.
Kate Turner, director of Healing Through Remembering, said: “So many everyday items assumed a new significance during the conflict – like a bin lid used for communication. And so many unusual things became everyday – like people and bags being searched before entering a shop.
“These objects offer a glimpse into the everyday lives and memories of individuals, communities and organisations, and so hopefully will help people explore the nature, causes and effect of conflict.
“We are very grateful to collectors who have lent us a substantial number of items for the exhibition.”
Healing Through Remembering’s online exhibition is adding more and more stories during the exhibition’s tour throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties.
If you would like to contribute a story about an everyday object you own, and which has been transformed by the conflict, please contact exhibition curator Tríona White Hamilton. – Tel: 028 9023 8844
Email: exhibition@healingthroughremembering.org
