Bringing the people of Exeter together to share their thoughts, memories and stories around a theme that unites us all: the home.
Date of project: 2019
About Home Sweet Home
Residents of Exeter were invited to the museum to show us an object they brought out when people step into their home, and to tell us tell its story. This gave a unique insight into the variety of homes that make up Exeter, with participants bringing objects that came from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and geographical locations. The aim was to highlight and celebrate the diversity of Exeter’s residents about a topic everyone can relate to, rather than showcasing our differences.
People and objects moving to Exeter
People around the country and across the world welcome guests in all sorts of ways, from Yorkshire tea to Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, from an Australian barbecue to the Omani nose kiss. Celebrating Exeter’s diversity, the museum exhibited a photographic display of customs and objects used by residents from around the country and across the globe who have made Exeter their home sweet home.
The project culminated in a photography display in the Café at RAMM over May and June 2019 of the participants and their chosen objects. The displayed photos featured a favourite mug, a rug visitors for to sit on, a well used coffee pot, and a Welsh ‘love spoon’ amongst others.
Feedback so far…
“In Afghanistan, we always take shoes off to go into a house. We leave shoes in the corridor. Everyone has carpets. It is very comfortable on the skin.”- Sarah (Afghanistan)
“It’s a Welsh love spoon. My family gets out the tea or coffee, biscuits, nibbles. I like a custard cream. At my nan’s, it’s always a tea pot. She doesn’t like the teabags in the mug. Milk is always last.” – Megan (Wales)
“It’s a ritual. Coffee served with warm, frothy milk… You take at least half an hour to have a chat.” – Fred (The Netherlands)
Participants & partners
The project was supported by Exeter City Council, in partnership with Devon Development Education, Multilingua and the University of Exeter, with funding from Arts Council England.
What next?
RAMM is hosting an exhibition on ‘Food’ in 2025 and as part of this we hope to do a similar engagement project, inviting members of the community into the museum to share and learn about each others favourite foods.
Further information
Ruth Gidley and Maya Herbolzheimer
[email protected], [email protected]
Engagement Officers, Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter
