How does History interact in the public sphere? How do museums, statues and memorials inform our view of History? Here, we discuss the nature of public history, memory and how we remember as a society
Public History.
We have our own example of public history in the form of The Bristorian Podcast! Find it on Spotify here.
“They shall not grow old” for the not-so-old: how children interact with Remembrance Day
Editor-in-Chief AJ Birt explores the way in which children learn about the significance of Remembrance Day through age-appropriate animated films and historical discussions.
Man Beheaded by Society: Why is the new statue of Oscar Wilde causing controversy?
A new statue of Oscar Wilde is being dispalyed in Chelsea, but why is it causing outrage? Mia Townsend looks at Eduardo Paulozzi's artwork of Wilde.
Piratical Plunder: A History of Bristol’s Links to Seafaring Outlaws
In this article, Mia Townsend explores the history of piracy throughout Bristol and its surrounding areas from the Roman period to modern day.
The World Does Not Only Speak English – Shōgun (2024)
Reflecting on the FX adaptation of Shōgun, Ben Bryant discusses what it's sweeping Emmys success can teach us about our often Eurocentric cinema, and questions how Shōgun reflects ongoing efforts to globalise.
The Uncomfortable Legacy of Goldney House
Katie Poyner discusses the history of Goldney House, and the family little known links to transatlantic enslavement
Colston has been removed from the University Crest…now what?
In a statement last month, the University chose to remove symbols associated with slave trader Edward Colston from its crest. After this decision, how will the University continue to represent its histories? The Bristorian discusses the future of the crest alongside Dr. Richard Stone.
Community Restoration Projects and The Charterhouse of Coventry
In her most recent article, Silva Shahini investigates the value of Community Restoration Projects in empowering local communities and highlighting the value of history to the present, using the case study of The Charterhouse in Coventry.
The 1831 Bristol Riots: A History Told Through Sources
Guided by primary sources, as provided by Gale Resources, Lewis considers the Bristol Riots of 1831 in a new light
The Violence of Colonial Archives
Editor-in-Chief Hope explores the violent legacies left by colonial archives, including the continuing gaps and inaccessibility experienced by those trying to uncover colonial legacies. This post is sponsored by Gale Resources.
Depictions of Historical Events in the Media
George explores the various problems with popular depictions of historical events in media, from Hamilton to Troy.
Surviving the Holocaust: A Firsthand Account from Tomi Reichental
Charlie Standen reflects on the life story of Tomi Reichental, a young Jewish boy living in Slovenia during World War Two, that was recounted to University of Bristol students as part of a collaboration between Bristol Jewish Society and the History Society.
'Mimesis: African Soldier’ by John Akomfrah
Disenchantment, disillusionment, disappointment, and distress. The Bristorian focuses on the forgotten experiences of colonial troops during the First World War, shown in the film 'Mimesis: African Solider' by John Akomfrah.
Slavery and Smoking Culture: The Legacy of the Wills Family in Bristol
For the Bristorian, Silva discusses the Wills Family; once one of the biggest tobacco producers in the UK, their presence has left a lasting impact on the city, and its smoking habits.
Review:“Queer Britain: In the Key of Blue”
AJ reviews a fasinating discussion, centred around a collection of Nineteenth Century writings exploring queer identity and pride. This lecture is part of an annual series commemorating the Bristolian John Addington Symonds (1840-1893), a writer, art historian and early pioneer of LGBTQ+ rights.
Exhibition Review: ‘We Are Everywhere’ War Experiences from Pre-Partition India
There were many injustices and violence instigated by Britain’s ruling of South Asia. The Partition created by the British Raj within South Asia not only resulted in ethnic conflict between present day India and Pakistan, but also led to one of the biggest displacements known to human history. Milan dives deeper into this tragedy, as he explores the ‘We Are Everywhere’ exhibition at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.
Hilary Mantel and her Legacy
Following the death of an icon, AJ reflects on the life and legacy of Hilary Mantel
On Public Grief and the Monarchy
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Charlie considers the legacy of public grief and the monarchy in our increasingly chaotic and fragile world
The People’s Archive of Stokes Croft
Containing a plethora of original source material, The People’s Archive of Stokes Croft aims to capture the essence of one of Bristol’s most iconic areas
‘Fons Americanus’: Reimagining Colonial Histories in Public
The cities of this country are packed with reminders and celebrations of our colonial past. So how are today’s artists and public historians attempting to decolonise their field? In this piece, The Bristorian explores the meanings behind Kara Walker’s Fons Americanus, on display at the Tate, and considers the wider decolonisation movement.
How are Walking Tours and ‘Grassroots’ Memorialisation Changing Public Perceptions of Slavery?
As we as a society reckon with our imperial history and the difficult legacies associated with it, discussions regarding our collective memory of slavery have started to gain traction. Using the example of Liverpool, The Bristorian delves into the power walking tours and 'grassroots' memorialisation have in altering and informing our perceptions of slavery for the better.