An inclusive research workshop, led by Professor Hannah Thompson from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, has brought together key voices to create more inclusive museum experiences.

The workshop, which was a collaborative effort with VocalEyes and Milestones Living History Museum, formed part of a co-created participatory research project exploring how blind and partially blind participants can help shape more inclusive and multi-sensory museum experiences.

Operating from the Milestones Living History Museum in Basingstoke, the workshop invited participants from within the museum spaces themselves to listen to and review a series of audio descriptions, creating opportunities for discussion around accessibility, interpretation and visitor experience. Those involved reflected on what worked well and how cultural experiences can move beyond the traditional visual-only approaches.

The project underlined the importance of lived experience in shaping accessible cultural environments and across museums worldwide. It also reaffirms the importance of participatory research and social purpose work, in line with the University’s wider strategy and continued commitment to inclusive education and research.

This project was funded by the Participatory Research Fund, allocated to Royal Holloway from Research England for participatory or co-produced research. The aim of the fund is to strengthen research outcomes by involving the communities and users of research, better recognising their experience, needs and preferences, and giving greater agency to communities to put findings into practice. 

Professor Hannah Thompson said: “‘Involving blind and partially blind visitors in creating inclusive resources is an excellent way of making museums more welcoming for all visitors.

“By focusing on touch, smell and sound, as well as sight, these new resources will deliver an engaging and memorable multi-sensory experience for everyone.”