The spread of cultural identities is looked at in a new exhibition at People’s History Museum (PHM) by artist Eva Mileusnic. Counter-flow: the movement of cultures from one place to another will be exhibited until Sunday 10 October 2021 as part of PHM’s migration programme. Beginning with her own experiences, Eva takes visitors on a colourful and creative metaphorical journey that looks at the world and the demographic shifts that take place between cultures.

Central to the exhibition is Counter-flow itself; 100 pairs of ceramic feet each individually and beautifully decorated with intricate details that make different global reflections through patterns, traditions and textile references. All tell a different story and are made from porcelain using vintage cobblers ‘lasts’ as their mould. Lasts are also an old English word for ‘footprint’, which triggered Eva to think about the journeys taken by migrants. The starting point for this bigger piece of work is also on display, Iren and Istvan’s Journey, in which Eva creatively expresses the lives of her parents who migrated from Hungary.

In Souvenir Dolls, the movement of cultural identities is reflected in the vintage costume dolls that were popular between the 1950s and 1970s as souvenirs when the advent of mass tourism began. And in Inter-National Grid Eva has superimposed a patchwork grid of national costumes onto a vintage map of England and Wales to create a multicultural fabric of British society in modern day Britain. Across the exhibition Eva works in many different materials, using techniques that she develops through her desire to achieve her end vision.

Eva is inviting visitors to explore and tell their own stories by participating in a series of Family Friendly workshop, with two sessions taking place every Wednesday of the school holidays starting from Wednesday 28 July. Inspired by Eva’s Counter-flow art installation, families will have the opportunity to decorate a pair of plaster cast fServer-1:2021:Clients:PHM:Images:Counterflow:Counter-flow Family Friendly workshop; identity feet at People’s History Museum (01).JPGeet with a design that reflects their own identity or story. Each session will be led by artist Pauline Wood and an array of materials will be available to use and experiment with including painting, printing, drawing and decal transfer application. The activity is Family Friendly and designed to be suitable for all ages. Tickets are FREE for children and priced at £6, £2 and free (plus booking fee for paid tickets) for adults and can be booked here.

Visitors to People’s History Museum this summer will also be amongst the first to experience its recently launched cafe, Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar at PHM; a sustainable dining experience with a focus on delicious fresh, locally sourced food. Choices feature a breakfast selection, sandwiches, hot dishes, drinks and a dedicated children’s menu. There is also a dedicated picnic space in the museum’s Processional Way for those that want to bring their own lunch or snacks.

People’s History Museum’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The museum and its exhibitions are free to visit with a suggested donation of £5. To find out about visiting the museum, its full exhibitions and events programme based both at the museum and online visit phm.org.uk, and you can keep up to date with the latest news by signing up to receive PHM’s e-newsletter, subscribing to the blog, or following the museum on social media on Twitter @PHMMcr, Facebook @PHMMcr, and Instagram @phmmcr.