EVERYONE IS IN LOCKDOWN! But fear not! We are here to bring you a mixture of history hits from the web! To fill your history addiction here’s a list of podcasts, activities, reading and crafting activities.

Up first we have Historic Environment Scotland’s charismatic Craft Knight.  A knight who does crafts? What more do you want? Check out the activities here.

 

Fancy to snuggle up with a book? We highly recommend The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold. By re-framing the historical narrative of Jack the Ripper, Rubenhold delves into the detailed histories of each of the women who are said to have been killed by the Ripper. Beautifully written, the publication does not discuss the murder but instead focuses on the women as individuals, carefully giving space for each story.

 

Check out Threads of Life by Glasgow based banner -maker and textile artist Clare Hunter. This one is currently on my isolation reading list. It is a blend of history and memoir with a ‘global chronicle of identity, protest, memory and politics.

 

Podcasts

Want to get your art fill but can’t leave the house? Check out Talk Art with Russell Tovey and Richard Diament. The podcast dedicated to the world of art featuring exclusive interviews with leading artists, curators & gallerists, and even occasionally their talented friends from other industries like acting, music and journalism. Episodes feature Phylida Barlow, Grayson Perry, David Shrigley, Tracey Emin and Kembra Pfahler.

 

BBC Witness is also a great podcast. It documents history via the people who lived through it. Very relevant as they have just released a ‘Sequencing the Infleuenza virus 1918’ episode.

Greg Jenner (of Horrible Histories fame) has a wealth of guests and entertaining stories on You’re Dead to me. Marketed at people ‘who don’t like history of forgot to learn at school’ – certainly a hit with guest such as Dr Misha Ewen, Alex Edelman and Desiree Burch.

 

Accounts to follow on Twitter to get your museum, heritage, history fill:

LGBTQ+ History dude Sacha Coward – This ‘history dude’ is currently taking part in #MuseumfromHome by uploading short videos about his favourite museum objects. His Twitter handle is @sacha_coward

Rebel Dykes – Art + Archive + documentary project: 1980’s London. Twitter handle: @RebelDykes

History Scotland – Providing fascinating insight on topics from all branches & periods. Good account but distinctly lacking in women’s history (unless it is queens, maids or witches). Twitter handle: HistoryScotland.

The Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture – A world renowned collection of designs, wallpapers, textiles, books & magazines. Twitter handle: MoDAMuseum

WTF Renaissance – Want a laugh? Check this account out. All I will say is ‘Parody masterpieces.’ Twitter handle: @WtfRenaissance

Sainsbury’s Archive – The aacount uploads images from the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s from its archive. Did you know Sainsbury’s dates from 1869? Twitter handle: @sainsburyarch

 

Till next time, stay safe, wash your hands and don’t go outside!

 

Karen