Behind the scenes of The Conservation Studio at People’s History Museum
Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities EditorVisit now
Behind the scenes of The Conservation Studio
Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

In celebration of Heritage Open Days the People’s History Museum are inviting curious minds to explore their specialist conservation studio. You’ll learn about the worlds largest collection of trade union and political banners and how techniques of banner production have changed over time. These, often delicate, works of political textile art require careful and skilled maintenance which involves fascinating procedures and techniques. It’s amazing to see the amount of work that goes into banners as they get prepared for public display.
While you’re in the museum, you can also explore galleries one and two, featuring the 2025 Banner Exhibition and the world’s oldest trade union banner