Radio Free Belfast broadcast 1969-1970.
This tape recorder was used to record the 24/7 live transmissions from the Pirate Radio Station Radio Free Belfast manned by Civil Rights and People’s Democracy members during 1969-70. A life line for the people behind the Barricades.These informative transmissions were mixed with humorous tongue and cheek Political Statements, Traditional Music Requests, Rent Strikes, Army Curfews and RUC Raids.
Written by Vincent Dargan, private collector
Stills captured from film clips of incidents from the Troubles edited by Peter Heathwood, 1970s – 1990s
These film clips of incidents from the Troubles show the everyday object, namely, a car, van or lorry used for the purposes of war. The incidents used cover all parts of Northern Ireland, London, and Manchester.
Written by Peter Heathwood, private collector
*None of these clips show incidents where anyone was killed or seriously injured.
Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict – option 1 (portfolio)
Everyday Objects
RUC armoured clipboard
This was used by police offices at vehicle checkpoints in ‘high-risk’ areas. The clipboard was intended to give protection to
Relatives for Justice Remembering Quilt
Relatives for Justice Remembering Quilt is made up of squares which have been dedicated to individuals who have died as
Photograph of IRA improvised grenade
This piece of standard plumbers pipefitting was combined with a four inch nail, a .22 cartridge and homemade explosives to
Framed record of ‘Wear no prison uniform’ by Francie Brolly, 1979
I wrote this song to raise funds for our local prisoners' support group. Basically, it tells the story of the
Binlid from West Belfast
A metal binlid to some was for covering a bin but for lots of nationalists and republicans it was a
Nose cap of R.P.G.7 Russian anti tank grenade
On the 4th of July 1973 the Provisional I.R.A fired a R.P.G 7 at my foot patrol in the Creggan
Derry Civil Rights badge
The Derry Civil Rights emblem was designed (in 1968) by Derry artist Sheila Mc Clean, wife of Dr Raymond Mc
Tape recording machine
This tape recorder was used to record the 24/7 live transmissions from the Pirate Radio Station Radio Free Belfast manned
Shrapnel removed from the leg of Alex Bunting, 21st October 1991
Just as we got to the Boyne Bridge, a flash came out of the dashboard, a bit like a rainbow
Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict – option 2 (masonry)
Photograph of Model church
This matchstick model of the Ardglass Presbyterian Church was constructed by a Protestant prisoner at the Maze Prison in 1978. It was a gift from W.B. Mulhall, who was serving a life sentence, to Chief Probation Officer James Carr. Mr Carr’s son served with the Military Provost Staff Corps, and loaned the item to the museum in 2003.
Label written by Ian Bailey from Adjutant General’s Corps Museum.
Label written by Ian Bailey from Adjutant General’s Corps Museum.
Me at Fort Whiterock
The wall behind me which has been transformed by the mural shows a guards regiment with the union flag. The wall has been ‘jazzed up’ in the midst of the war in Northern Ireland. I am pictured by a mate before deploying onto a mobile patrol. Behind the visor, shows an uneasy smile, a nervous smile!
Label written by Andrew Thomas.
Label written by Andrew Thomas.
Maiden City Festival flyer and poster
With Republican opposition to its annual commemorative events expressed through rioting, causing £millions of damage to Londonderry City centre, the Apprentice Boys of Derry needed to respond. The Maiden City Festival was founded in 1998 to engage, build and grow understanding and respect across communities and to demonstrate the value of cultural diversity to a tolerant, pluralist civic society.’
Label written by David Hoey, Maiden City Festival Committee.
Label written by David Hoey, Maiden City Festival Committee.
‘A year in the Black Taxis’ by Brendan Ellis
This series of twelve pictures depicts a range of people in the back of black taxis. The images are of people who used these taxis to reach their local areas, most often West and North of Belfast. Often these taxis were shared and some images show people huddled together in the seats. It is an experience that many will identify with.
Label written by Suzanne Lyle from Arts Council Northern Ireland.
Label written by Suzanne Lyle from Arts Council Northern Ireland.
Captive verses
Those incarcerated at any of the prisons during the troubles were encouraged to take up a past time or hobby. Many of the prisoners started to record their emotions for family, country and their cause. This booklet is prime example of loyalist poetry. It was written within the confines of the Maze Prison (Long Kesh), taken and then printed for sale. This book originally cost £1.50 with proceeds going the Loyalist Prisoners Of War (L.P.O.W.) an organisation set up for the loyalist prisoner’s welfare.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Behind the Barricade record
James Young was one of Ulster’s best known comedians. He used the medium of live stage and recordings to reach his audience, which were mostly the working classes. This was one of many albums the artist produced although no others used the troubles as both a cover and a title for the album. More than famous for his epilogues James Young would normally finish a live performance with his own catch phrase. Ach would youse stop yer ould fightin.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Riot helmet
This was standard issue to all R.U.C. motorcycle police officers. It was however employed as head protection during the riots of 1969 and early 1970. The helmet itself proved unsuitable as it was composed mainly of cork with a leather covering. Some of the police including the B Specials reverted to using the old World War Two British army Brodie steel helmet which offered more protection. The Cork Helmet was not generally used after 1970.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
RUC torch
This torch was standard issue to all R.U.C. Officers involved in vehicle check points (V.C.P.’S). The red lens cover was designed to give motorists warning of the check point ahead. Moving the torch in a horizontal circular motion at the front of the body meant slow down or stop. Moving the torch in vertical motion from the outstretched arm to the shoulder gave the indication to move on with caution.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Label written by Bobby Foster, private collector.
Photograph of 11th Night Bonfire, Ballycraigy, Antrim, 2007
Constructed from wooden pallets and tyres, bonfires are part of Loyalist ritual. Bonfires are burned every year on the 11th July across Northern Ireland to commemorate Catholic King James' defeat at the Battle of the Boyne. Being deliberately excessive they can be read in the tradition of carnival, but often involve aggressive sectarian displays.
Label written by Pauline Hadaway from Belfast Exposed.
Label written by Pauline Hadaway from Belfast Exposed.
Prison ‘Comm’ toilet tissue
During the conflict prisoners exchanged communications with those outside of the prison via letters which were monitored by the prison authorities. To circumvent this system of surveillance 'government issue’ toilet tissue was often employed as writing paper. It could be folded into extremely small packages, secreted around the body and then transferred, undetected to friends or family during visits. This example was sent by a Republican prisoner in Long Kesh/ Maze to the then President of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Pádraig Mac Flionn, seeking assistance on teaching Gaelic games and the history of the GAA within the prison.
Label written by Roddy Hegarty from Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive.
Label written by Roddy Hegarty from Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive.
Friday the Thirteenth photograph by Seamus Loughrey
Friday the Thirteenth. November 1992. A windy night. A deserted Diamond. A blue Toyota van erupts. The heart of Coleraine shattered. Buildings engulfed in flames. The War Memorial soldier holds his post. Poppies scattered amongst the rubble.
Label written by John Hamilton from Causeway Museum Service.
Label written by John Hamilton from Causeway Museum Service.
Milk bottle used as petrol bomb
The glass milk bottle that was in everyone’s home became a symbol of resistance – the petrol bomb – which was one of the main weapons against the security forces, who were the agents of the state that had oppressed the community and opposed the fight for civil rights. Petrol bombs were used in many other parts of the world during civil rights campaigns, as a weapon for civilians when they had nothing else other than stones against armed forces.
Label written by Frankie McMenamin, private collector.
Label written by Frankie McMenamin, private collector.
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