The National Museums Liverpool Podcast has returned for a second series.
The six episode series delves into a range of hidden stories, on themes as varied as sex, empowerment and city scandals, as well as body image, identity and belonging. Series two sees National Museums Liverpool (NML) working alongside Melodic Distraction – an independent radio station and online magazine based in the city.
Guided by hosts from NML and Melodic Distraction, the podcast weaves together a rich mix of stories from NML’s collections along with the experiences of communities across Liverpool today. Episode one, titled Identity, includes an emotive discussion about the complexities of being a Scouser with African and Afro-Caribbean heritage, motivated by some of the objects in World Museum’s Benin and Liverpool display.
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Developed in collaboration with five Liverpool residents of African descent, the display opened on March 18 and brings absent voices to the museum’s collections from Benin City in southern Nigeria. Episode one also explores the world of tattooing – examining the origins of sailor tattoos and why marking our skin can help shape our identities today.
The "My Body" episode features an exploration of work by acclaimed Portuguese artist Paula Rego, through the lens of powerful etchings on the topic of abortion in NML’s collections. This personal and political story is brought to life through commentary by Ana Bela Almeida from University of Liverpool and Rego’s son, Nick Willing.
"Scandal" will examine the fallout from Liverpool losing its UNESCO World Heritage status, "Hair" explores the ethics of a dress from our collections made entirely of human hair, while "Sex" looks at the devastating legacy of Henry VIII’s Buggery Act – in conjunction with The Tudors: Passion, Power and Politics exhibition, opening at Walker Art Gallery in May.
Scott Smith, head of digital at National Museums Liverpool, said: "With the collections of National Museums Liverpool as an anchor, our new podcast series gives listeners the opportunity to take a deeper dive into some of the stories that bring our museums, galleries and exhibitions to life. We’re so pleased to be working with Melodic Distraction to bring listeners an insight into some of the most interesting people and communities who call Liverpool home"
Nina Franklin, station manager at Melodic Distraction, said: "Working on the National Museums Liverpool podcast, which celebrates and documents Liverpool’s heritage as well as uplifting new creatives across the city region, has been so exciting. We’re proud to shine a light on stories from the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as working class people, women and people of colour.
"Our contributors to the podcast provide a new, exciting angle from folks who know and love this city, and it’s a pleasure to be able to add our voices to these stories."
Find out more about the National Museums Liverpool podcast at liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/podcast and listen on all the usual podcast platforms.
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