National Museums Liverpool Podcast: Recent Episodes
National Museums Liverpool
The National Museums Liverpool Podcast weaves together stories from our collections with the experiences of people in Liverpool today, exploring connections between the past and the present.
We find out how a community run football tournament has grown into a highly anticipated event beloved by the city for how it brings together cultures and communities.
Imad Ali and Maleka Egeonu-Roby tell us the story behind the succesful initiative.
We trace the remarkable life of a pioneering trans woman who forged her own path with courage and determination. From her early years in Liverpool to the world she built beyond it, April became a celebrated fashion model, actress, and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights.
In the Walker Art Gallery collection, alongside works by the likes of Lucien Freud and Rose Wylie, is a rather unusual portrait of a barefoot man in a grey suit. The surrealist portrait is of and by Wallasey-based artist Albert Richards. The aspiring artist would go on to serve in the Army during WWII as a paratrooper and would end up becoming a war artist before sadly passing away while in service.
In this episode, we spoke to Ged Clarke, a producer/director and documentarian, about the fascinating story of Albert Richards.
Discover how Everton's very own Sarah P Corbett turned her activism learnt at a local level into a worldwide crafting movement.
In this episode, we uncover the history of John Middleton, aka the Childe of Hale.
Born in 1578, in the village of Hale, John Middleton was a man who allegedly grew to a height of 9ft 3 inches. Known for his great strength, he was employed as bodyguard for the Sheriff of Lancashire, where word of his exploits led him to the court of King James I.
We’ll explore John’s extraordinary life, from his humble beginnings in Hale to a royal rumble at the King's court, and how his story has travelled far beyond the village where he was born – even to this very day.
Built in the early 18th century, the Old Dock was the world’s first purpose-built commercial wet dock. Its creation marked the beginning of Liverpool’s transformation into a major hub of European trade and a central port in the Transatlantic slave trade, fuelling rapid growth in both wealth and population.
In this episode, National Museum Liverpool's Tour Guide Stephanie Mitchard explains the story of the Old Dock, from the challenges of its construction to the lives shaped by its development.
We'll uncover how this hidden structure played a defining role in Liverpool’s growth before it disappeared from view.
In this episode we journey through nearly thirty years of musical experimentation and innovation with Liverpool's contemporary classical pioneers - Ensemble 10:10.
Formed in 1997, the Ensemble has established itself at the forefront of the contemporary classical sphere, whilst also supporting young musicians and composers through opportunities such as the Rushworth Composition Prize.
This is a story of creativity and community. To tell this story we hear from the musicians at the heart of the Ensemble, and from those they collaborate with, as we uncover why Ensemble 10:10 has become such a vital force in the UK’s classical scene.
In this episode we explore the foundation of Britain's first mosque, and the life and times of its enigmatic founder, Abdullah Quilliam.
Quilliam established the mosque in 1887, having embraced Islam and adopting the name Abdullah, after a trip to Morocco. The mosque became an influential hub for the growth of Islam in Britain and, over 100 years later, is still operating from its original premises.
Liverpool is enjoying an underground cinema renaissance and in this episode, we speak to three of the people at the heart of Liverpool's DIY film club revival.
First we speak with 18:33 Films co-founder Harry James Wormald whose purpose is to push films created and based in Liverpool. Secondly, we hear from Khara Adele, the curator behind Black Girl Watching, a club promoting predominantly Black British cinema. And finally, we interviewed queer-centric pop up Paraphysis Cinema head honcho Holly Rowley.
In this episode we go behind the scenes of one of the most beloved events in city's cultural calendar, Africa Oyé. We chat to Paul Duhaney, Africa Oyé’s Artistic Director and Dave McTague, the festival’s Head of Marketing and Partnerships, to learn more about the festival's journey from humble beginnings, into the internationally acclaimed showcase it is today.
Celebrate 133 years of sporting history at one of football’s most enduring arenas - Goodison Park.
In this episode we look back at 133 years of sporting heritage as the curtain comes down on Everton's beloved stadium, as the club prepare to move to their new ground at Bramley Moore Dock.
This episode rolls through the history of Liverpool's premier skate shop, Lost Art.
Discover the origins behind the shop, and its journey into an iconic cornerstone of the U.K. skate scene, with founder Dave Mackey & Lost Art skater Joseph "Geff" Obando McGuffog.
This episode explores Homotopia, the UK’s longest-running LGBTQIA arts and cultural festival, which champions queer visibility, creativity, and community.
Guests include Bev Ayre, Danny Kilbride, Joan Burnett and Kolade T Lapido.
The story of a local man behind some of the world's most famous toys including Meccano, Hornby Trains and Dinky Toys.
This podcast is the second of a two part special. In this episode we find out about the emergence and impact of HIV and AIDS on the Liverpool LGBTQ+ community.
We hear more about this horrendous disease from five people who saw its impact first hand - Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry, Martin and James.
In this episode we go back 40 years to find out more about the creative explosion going on in the city.
We hear about this culturally vibrant moment in our local history from five people who lived it - Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry and James.
In this episode, we explore the importance of cultural identity and how music and dance serve as powerful forces for uplifting communities.
We speak with former Delado dancer Maxine Brown and Project Facilitator Eliss Eyo-Thompson about Delado's emergence as a community dance project in the aftermath of the Toxteth riots, its growth into one of Liverpool's leading exponents of African culture during the 1980s, and the legacy it has left behind.
In this episode we find out that there is more to the city's sport scene than football.
We speak to Liverpool Roller Birds Ruckus and Daria about the best sport you may never have heard of - roller derby.
In this episode we get a potted history of Liverpool's Royal Court's 200 year history in just over half an hour.
We speak to Iain Christie about the past, present and future of this beloved Liverpool institution.
How a group of radical gardeners are rejuvenating neglected urban areas through wildflowers.
We speak to Richard Scott and Polly Moseley about their mission to breathe new life into the city through creative ecology. We also hear from Laurence Westgaph and Peter Carney who have worked on Scouse Flowerhouse projects.
When creativity gets competitive. We take a look back at one of art's oldest and most prestigious prizes.
We're joined by a couple of John Moores Painting Prize experts in curator Ann Bukantas and academic Dr Hana Leaper.
How, and why did Birkenhead-native Ron Gittins turn his home into a living work of art.
We talk to TV director Martin Wallace, about the story behind (and ahead of) Ron's Place.
How a group of punk rockers saved St Luke's church.
We talk to musician and artist, Ambrose Reynolds, about his years as caretaker and Creative Director, of this beloved Liverpool landmark.
Jock Stein once said "Football without fans is nothing". And whilst that may be true, representation amongst supporters has historically been overwhelmingly male. In recent years however, football has changed and we are now seeing more women championing the beautiful game, both on the pitch and in the terraces.
To discuss these developments we welcome the founder of photo-zine GIRLFANS Jacqui McAssey, and the Chair of LFC Women's Supporter's Club, Jay Goodall.
In four short years, the Eric's club in Liverpool became legendary for its international roster, raucous punk antics and youth centric outlook.
Eric's was an impromptu 'school of music' and key to the rise of famous Liverpool bands and figures of the late 70s and early 80s; from Echo & the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, to Pete Burns, Pete Wylie and many more.
In this episode, co-owner Ken Testi, shares his story of how the club came to be a seedbed of fresh talent in the city, as well as host to some of the greatest acts of all time, from the Sex Pistols to the Ramones.
From Jodie Comer to Jimmy McGovern, the stars of film and TV are making Liverpool proud, continuing its remarkable history of screen writing and onscreen talent. But what is the state of the Scouse film scene today and what does the future look like?
In the past decade advancements in technology have enabled us to discover more about the universe we inhabit, but should we be delving deeper into the unknown expanses of space when our own planet has issues of its own? Dr. Jackie Bell tells us how important space exploration is for the generations that follow and how it can help us understand and even solve Earth's Problems. Then our very own Patrick Kiernan from the Planetarium at World Museum tells us how important it is to understand the darkest depths of space so we can protect our earth from meteorites headed to earth.
The Mersey River makes the brilliant city of Liverpool, but who was there when the tide quite literally got too high? A hero by any standard, James Clarke saved many locals from drowning in the Mersey in the early 1900s and taught countless others to swim. And, fast forward to 2022, we meet current day heroes through the LifeBoat Station Project, Jack Lowe's ten year mission to photograph all of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution’s 238 lifeboat stations across the UK and Ireland (including Hoylake, West Kirkby and New Brighton). What drives these people to put their own lives at danger to save strangers at sea?
The Liverbirds were the first all-female rock and roll band- defying expectations and even the industry. This disregard for convention is shared by Nine x Nine records, whose goals are to support their artists instead of trying to control them. Both these stories show that through their resistance against authority and control, they truly are rebels in music.
As we look on across Europe to our Ukrainian allies, how can sharing stories of war help us all?
Art galleries have always been a space for quiet contemplation, but in the midst of our modern lives, can they still provide solace during life's biggest challenges?
Revealing hidden stories about sex, power and desire.
Take a fresh look at adult sex education and empowerment, find out why there is a biscuit tin in our LGBTQ+ collections and learn about the devastating legacy of the Buggery Act, the first UK law to make sex between men illegal, put in place by Henry VIII.
Provocative, intriguing, and perhaps salacious – it’s hard to resist a story about a scandal.
Hear a discussion about the legacy of Liverpool losing its World Heritage status, find out what makes a book scandalous and discover why a portrait of Lord Leverhulme caused international outrage.
With Liverpool being a maritime city, a strong relationship with the sea is inevitable.
Hear from an open water swimmer about plunging into freezing water and how this can help to free the mind in difficult times and improve mental health.
Dive beneath the waves to find out how to play with an octopus and discover what it feels like to make friends with such an amazing and intelligent creature.
Get an expert’s view on mangrove trees, how they are being affected by pollution and why it's important for us to protect them.
For centuries we have been cutting, dying, curling, straightening, and braiding our hair.
But is hair just for expressing personal style – or is there more we can discover about society, history and even ethics?
Look back to the Roman period and hear how hairstyle influencers from elite society spread the latest hair trends amongst the masses.
Discover the social and political history surrounding Afro hair and get a personal perspective about the importance of celebrating Black hair today.
Find out how a bizarre dress from our collections - made of human hair extensions - caused mixed reactions from audiences and consider the ethics behind using human hair for fashion.
All bodies are worthy of love and respect.
Content warning: this episode explores stories relating to eating disorders and abortion
Hear the inspiring journey of one Instagrammer, from difficulties with body image to arriving in a place of body acceptance.
Through the etchings in our collections by celebrated artist Paula Rego, discover the personal and political stories behind Rego’s abortion series, with commentary from the artist’s son, Nick Willing.
Look back at sculptures from ancient Greece to discover how body ideals from the ancient world have influenced our thinking about beauty today.
Finally, find out how one artist sets out to challenge representations of male body image and masculinity in the media, creating work from an LGBTQ+ perspective.
Who are you and how do you express yourself? In this episode, explore how some people reach out to connect with their ancestors and hear a discussion about the complex identity of scousers with African and Afro-Caribbean heritage. Delve into the world of tattooing as we learn about the original sailor tattoos and look at why marking our skin can help shape our identities in the present day.
Subscribe to the National Museums Liverpool Podcast.
Our podcast weaves together stories from our collections with the experiences of people in Liverpool today, exploring connections between the past and the present.
In episode six of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on protest, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool.
Act One: Black Lives Matter
Protesting has been an important factor of the Black Lives Matter movement since it started in 2013 and has helped bring about change and awareness to the cause. We talked to Chantelle Lunt educator, writer, entrepreneur, activist and founder of Merseyside #BLM Alliance about how protests have contributed to positive change and how to avoid protest burn out. Act Two: Pottery of Protest
When Jeff Speakman, Assistant Curator of Archaeology at Museum of Liverpool, went on an archaeological dig at The Manchester Dock, him and his team didn’t know what to expect. Imagine their surprise when, not only did they unearth 3 tonnes of pottery, but found chamber pots with the royal crest on them. Jeff unpacks how they go there, what they mean and what they say about our need for personal protest today, just as it was over 200 years ago.
Act Three: Liverpool 8 Against Apartheid
In the 80s the people of L8 were tireless in their support of the anti-apartheid struggle. The Museum of Liverpool will host a new display highlighting the history of the community’s role in the anti-apartheid movement, and the fight to free Nelson Mandela and in this story we'll hear some of the voices from the frontline of the fight.
In episode five of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on movement, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool.
Act One: Anthony Walker Foundation
The unprovoked racially motivated murder of Liverpool teenager Anthony Walker is one of the most shocking incidents in Merseyside’s history. His family, including mother Gee Walker were determined that Anthony's death was not just a statistic and set about creating an anti-racism movement with the Anthony Walker Foundation. The AWF’s most recent campaign is Speak Out Stop Hate and aims to encourage everyone to report hate crime, be it through the foundation or policing channels.
In this story we talk to Ben Osu, Strategy Lead at the foundation about how Anthony’s family set about moving on the conversation about racism in Britain through educational programmes and facilitating better, easier reporting and support.
Act Two: Wilson The Rope Figure
Seized! is the on-display collection for the National Border Force Museum, which sits inside the Maritime Museum. Steve Butler, Curator of the Border Force National Museum Collection talks us through an item that people can see called Wilson, a small rope toy figure created by a Border Force officer to pass out to children of immigrant ships that try to break down barriers as these frightened people are confronted by huge British naval ships and uniformed officers.
Act Three: The Dockers Umbrella
The Liverpool Overhead Railway opened in 1893 and closed in 1956, it ran for 6 miles along Liverpool’s waterfront taking in the docks and the city centre. In this story Curator of Land Transport, Sharon Brown takes us on a ride through its technological advances to its ultimate demise and subsequent reinvigoration through a display in the Museum of Liverpool.
In episode four of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on isolation, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool.
Act One: The Importance of Being Social
Joe is about to turn 16, lockdown took away his social life and in particular the underage nightclub he attended every Monday night. It's a story we're hearing a lot since March 2020, but the difference in this story is that Joe is a young man who has Down's Syndrome. In his own words Joe details how isolation has impacted him.
Act Two: Splendid Isolation
The Isle of Socotra in the Indian Ocean is a wonder of biodiversity comparable to the famous Galápagos Islands. In 1898 Scottish explorer, ornithologist, botanist and then Director of Liverpool Museums (World Museum) Henry Ogg Forbes undertook a joint expedition with the British Museum to the Yemeni Island. Their discoveries were vast and in this story we speak to a successor of Forbes, Dr John-James Wilson, about the collection and to Kay van Damme, who is currently residing on the Island conducting further research.
Act Three: Stuck on the Suez
As the huge container ship the Evergiven ran aground and blocked passage through the Suez Canal, interest in the waterway was piqued. It was stuck for just under a week, imagine being stuck there for 8 years as the Yellow Fleet was between 1967-1975. We speak to Cath Senker author of the book Stranded in the Six-Day War, who details this often forgotten moment of diplomatic history.
In episode three of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on work, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool.
Act One: Transitioning on the Force
Detective Sergeant Christian Owens was the first person to transition on Merseyside police and as such has turned his experiences into lessons for forces across the country. In this story he details how difficult it can be to be both trans and a police officer.
Act Two: Unemployment on Merseyside
Mike (Mick) Jones’s huge mural hangs in the People’s Republic Gallery at the Museum of Liverpool. It depicts Liverpudlian’s fight for the right to work in the 20th Century taking in post-WWI marches as well as Liverpool’s lowest ebb, the 1980s. We hear the stories of those who fought for work and those who helped.
Act Three: The Sun of Europe
Elisabetta Sirani (1638-65) was a 17th Century Baroque artist whose success defied her era in which women were denied academy training. Lead Curator of International Fine Art at the Walker Art Gallery, Kate O’Donoghue, talks us through Sirani’s remarkable but tragically short life.
In episode two of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces stories on resilience, each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool.
Act One: From the Ashes
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted pretty much every aspect of our lives. All museums and galleries in the UK were forced to close their doors 12 months ago; it was the first time the World Museum has had to do so since the Blitz 80 years ago. In this story we compare and contrast the two events and see how museums bounced back then and plan to now.
Act Two: We Shall Not be Moved
The MV Derbyshire is the largest British ship ever lost at sea, the Bridge class bulk carrier sank in 1980 with 44 people on board, there were no survivors. The Derbyshire Family Association (DFA) formed afterwards to fight the initial findings, which were called a “whitewash” by John Prescott. This is the story of a group of families standing up in the face of governments and huge corporations to say they want to find out the truth.
In this first episode of the National Museums Liverpool Podcast, Jane Garvey introduces three stories on love each with their own unique link to the museums and Liverpool.
Act One: Hello Sailor! Michael Rudder and Dominic Brown both started a life in the Merchant Navy at the age of 17 in 1969. At sea they both found an openness that would have perhaps been a little more difficult to come by at home.
Act Two: The Loves and Loss of Glyn Philpot Early 20th Century British artist, Glyn Philpot was revered by the aristocracy for his stunning portraiture. However, while portrait painting may have been Philpot's job, his passions lay elsewhere.
Act Three: Love abound the Lusitania The sinking of the Lusitania is one of the most tragic maritime disasters of all time. Of the 1,198 souls that lost their lives, there are countless acts of heroism and love. We have an epic and heart-breaking love story.
For more head to: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
If you're writing your own love story and would like a unique wedding venue, consider hiring one of ours: https://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/venue-hire/weddings
Credits:
Host: Jane Garvey
Produced by: National Museums Liverpool
Post Production: Onomatopoeia Post Production
Theme Music: Big Giant Circles
Subscribe to the National Museums Liverpool Podcast.
Our podcast series weaves together stories from our collections with the experiences of people in Liverpool today, exploring connections between the past and the present.
The first six episodes are hosted by Jane Garvey, focusing on the themes of love, work, resilience, movement, isolation and protest.