At Ripon Museum Trust, we regularly programme exhibitions across our three museums to shine a light on new and interesting stories connected to their history, or the lives of the people who passed through the workhouse, prison or courthouse. We also explore issues surrounding our themes of law and order, creating opportunities for partnerships and new artistic commissions.
These exhibitions change regularly, but you can find out more about some of our past exhibitions below.
Stories of Disability
in the Past
Stories of disabled people in the Criminal Justice System in Ripon in the Victorian era.
Women in Policing
28 April – 2 October 2022
Exploring the role of some of the first female police officers to join the force and how attitudes towards women in policing have changed over time. Has society moved from segregation of women in policing to full integration or are there still issues to address in modern policing?
My Path
29 June – 26 September 2021
My Path is a creative walk through the criminal justice system. It showcases artworks from across Yorkshire which were submitted to the 2020 Koestler Awards for arts in criminal justice.
Lives Unravelled
17 May – 5 September 2021
A unique textiles exhibition by local group 6-Ply, featuring five textile installations inspired by the lives of women who lived and worked in Ripon Workhouse.
Serving Our Community – Images from Ripon’s Past
24 February – 28 March 2021
This exhibition used historic photographs from the Ripon Re-Viewed collection, which were projected onto thr Workhouse Museum building.
Prisoners on Prisoners
8 February 2020 – 28 March 2021
This art installation by Faye Claridge shared the experiences of current and historic female prisoners through audio, textile and photography.
Rogues and Vagabonds
17 June – 1 December 2019
This exhibition explores vagrancy during the Victorian period within the workhouse, prison and court systems, and examines the realities of homelessness today.
Homeless Not Faceless
20 June – 22 July 2018
Exploring the causes of homelessness for people in North Yorkshire through photographs, interviews and objects, created in partnership with the Harrogate Homeless Project and Ripon YMCA.