The IWM and Public Memory of the Second World War
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Brighton
Department Name: Sch of Humanities
Abstract
This project will examine the politics of Second World War display and audience engagement and interpretation at IWM London. Its overall aim
is to explore the changing landscapes of remembrance, commemoration and memory of the Second World War in Britain in both a recent-historical and
contemporary context. The project will trace the successive phases of permanent and temporary exhibitions that have taken place at IWM London since the end
of the conflict in 1945. It will deliver a critical analysis of IWM's programme of Second World War exhibitions, events and related public activities. In documenting
the evolving process of Second World War display over the last 50 years, the project will uncover how memory and commemorative practices have changed
alongside myriad cumulative cultural influences. This analysis draws from, and engages with, existing work both on the development of museological pedagogy,
as well as debates concerning the heritage and commemoration of war. By analysing each decade of exhibition and audience- development activity, the project
traces a history of public engagement with the Second World War. It is also provides an opportunity to explore the future direction and meaning of the landscape
of remembrance and commemoration. As the national war museum and a leading commemorative site, IWM London continues to play a fundamental role in
channelling and interpreting this emerging field of cultural memory. The project will, therefore, also undertake an examination both of IWM's own preparations of
new, permanent Second World War galleries. This studentship follows on from the previous Collaborative Doctoral Award on 'Remembrance, Commemoration
and Memory: Negotiating the Imperial War Museum's First World War Exhibitions, 1964 - 2014', which began at IWM London in 2011. This partnership with the
University of Exeter contextually analysed the museum's permanent and temporary First World War exhibitions over a fifty year period. It is intended that this
studentship will follow a similar trajectory but with reference to the Second World War, and that the student will be able to support IWM's future programming in a
similar capacity
is to explore the changing landscapes of remembrance, commemoration and memory of the Second World War in Britain in both a recent-historical and
contemporary context. The project will trace the successive phases of permanent and temporary exhibitions that have taken place at IWM London since the end
of the conflict in 1945. It will deliver a critical analysis of IWM's programme of Second World War exhibitions, events and related public activities. In documenting
the evolving process of Second World War display over the last 50 years, the project will uncover how memory and commemorative practices have changed
alongside myriad cumulative cultural influences. This analysis draws from, and engages with, existing work both on the development of museological pedagogy,
as well as debates concerning the heritage and commemoration of war. By analysing each decade of exhibition and audience- development activity, the project
traces a history of public engagement with the Second World War. It is also provides an opportunity to explore the future direction and meaning of the landscape
of remembrance and commemoration. As the national war museum and a leading commemorative site, IWM London continues to play a fundamental role in
channelling and interpreting this emerging field of cultural memory. The project will, therefore, also undertake an examination both of IWM's own preparations of
new, permanent Second World War galleries. This studentship follows on from the previous Collaborative Doctoral Award on 'Remembrance, Commemoration
and Memory: Negotiating the Imperial War Museum's First World War Exhibitions, 1964 - 2014', which began at IWM London in 2011. This partnership with the
University of Exeter contextually analysed the museum's permanent and temporary First World War exhibitions over a fifty year period. It is intended that this
studentship will follow a similar trajectory but with reference to the Second World War, and that the student will be able to support IWM's future programming in a
similar capacity