John Holt, Author at Museums Association

We can be heroes

This year’s Museums Change Lives Awards paid tribute to the institutions and individuals that have made a truly heroic impact in their communities. John Holt talks to the winners

Feature Best In Show

Best in show | David asleep on the Trans-Siberian Express, 1973, by Geoff MacCormack

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Feature Interpretation

Life after death

With restored buildings, new interpretation spaces and tailored trails, the grand municipal cemeteries of the 19th century are proving popular places to visit, even at a time of great loss

Feature Best In Show

Best in show | Embroidered screen, 1884-85, by Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo

William Morris Gallery, London

Feature Best In Show

Best in show | Copy of a physiology textbook used as an examination crib sheet, c.1970s

This tiny book made by a would-be exam cheat was perfect for the Royal College of Physicians’ online exhibition

Feature Back to museums

Role models

Meet the actors who spark history into life for museum visitors

Feature Empowering Collections

Best in show | Fishermen and Visitors, 1931, by Joseph Edward Southall

Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle

Feature

Best in show

Lights at Sunset in Ostia by Tullio Crali, 1930, Estorick Collection of Modern Italian Art, London

Feature Empowering Collections

Best in show

£10 banknote, 1975, Florence Nightingale Museum, London

Feature Championing our Workforce

Elbow grease

From tiny timepieces to industrial-scale machinery, our museums’ mechanical exhibits and experiences are things of wonder, thanks to the army of maintenance people who keep them all in good working order

Feature Empowering Collections

Best in show

Microscope specimen slides, 19th century, St Albans Museum

Feature Pop-ups

Popping up near you

Museums are reaching new audiences by setting up pop-ups in empty shops, markets, pubs and other unusual spaces