tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post7579472694737102101..comments2024-01-27T10:15:00.444+00:00Comments on The Attic: Credit Crunch affects Museum plansThe Attichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15418156698058196228noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-59175043901421562452009-02-16T10:36:00.000+00:002009-02-16T10:36:00.000+00:00Hi Amy,Thanks for answering. I have to agree that ...Hi Amy,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for answering. I have to agree that the generation that felt truly "British" is probably retired already. On the other hand, as you were saying, the concept of Britishness in the twenty-first century as an exhibition doesn't sound as bad. Let's see what will come out of this.. Take care,<BR/>ElliAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-22103408645450625952009-02-10T16:18:00.000+00:002009-02-10T16:18:00.000+00:00Elli - I think that's the point. Since devolution...Elli - I think that's the point. Since devolution there have been increasing calls for Scottish independence, etc. As a Scot, and keen on retaining the union, I guess Gordon Brown thought the Museum of Britishness could be a means by which to assert shared values, history etc, thus reminding us all that we're better off together. So not so much nationalistic (in a Victorian/imperial stylee), but patriotic perhaps. But, to be honest, us Brits don't really go in for that sort of thing any more. Most would find the whole concept a little dated, if not tasteless. On a practical level it would be nigh impossible to pin down 'Britishness' - we're such a mix. In my opinion, that's what makes us 'Great'. *groan* ;) But, while the 'museum' seems to have been a bit of a non-starter, I think an exhibition exploring the concept of 'Britishness' in the twenty-first century might be really interesting. But only if it was critical and enquiring and not simply propagandist 'feel-good' nonsense.The Attichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15418156698058196228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-74496070325772847922009-02-10T15:40:00.000+00:002009-02-10T15:40:00.000+00:00Heh heh I am inclined to say bring it on, only it ...Heh heh I am inclined to say bring it on, only it will be my tax sort of paying for it and I object to any attempts to try and define a nation through its objects or a narrative that will remain in place for the next 100 years (hmmm that's why I work in museums, I get it now...). Historians have been working on this for years and not really settled the argument so why the museum profession believes it can do the same is beyond me! It would be great if we could suggest a national narrative - perhaps it could be turned into one of those reality TV shows we Brits are apparently so fond about? We could vote on it! Just think what larks it would be!Cerihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05607190124293660893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-26074862535846597122009-02-10T12:27:00.000+00:002009-02-10T12:27:00.000+00:00So once more, what is this going to be like? Museu...So once more, what is this going to be like? Museum of Britishness.. that sounds like something nationalistic. On the other hand the British Isles had many more occupants: Irish, Scottish, Welsh, French, Northmen... Are these all going to be presented as well?<BR/>ElliAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-81716081304045428092009-02-09T22:09:00.000+00:002009-02-09T22:09:00.000+00:00Well, that's true. It is Gordon Brown's pet proje...Well, that's true. It is Gordon Brown's pet project, afterall. It's supposed to be all about protecting the union...The Attichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15418156698058196228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-71685034619119735852009-02-09T21:40:00.000+00:002009-02-09T21:40:00.000+00:00*headdesk* The fact that anyone thinks this is nec...*headdesk* The fact that anyone thinks this is necessary even in its abridged form is beyond me. Mind you, I'm not a British taxpayer, so I don't have a real right to an opinion, but I really don't see how this neo-Victorianism is progressive. (All sorts of memories from my MA project are flooding back, about how nationalism arises in vulnerable times...)Dr Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03137076061031307574noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33352276.post-1933556066765216632009-02-09T15:34:00.000+00:002009-02-09T15:34:00.000+00:00Well, I have to say this sounds like an all round ...Well, I have to say this sounds like an all round better idea.The Attichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15418156698058196228noreply@blogger.com