Moved by Conflict

The First World War had a profound effect on Bristol and its people, even though it was not a direct part of the ‘theatre of war’.

The city played an important role in the war, as a hub of transport and industry. Individual lives and communities were changed forever. Moved by Conflict at M Shed explores the physical, social and personal change brought about on many levels. Through the stories of Bristol people, the exhibition takes you from the Bristol of the 1900s and its position in the British Empire, through the years of the ‘Great War’, and up to the present-day impact of global conflicts.

Expect a powerful and moving experience, with video installation, interactive displays, original objects, archive film and documents, and space for reflection. There is also an element of a theatrical storytelling, where visitors will be able to choose from one of six archetypal characters created by Melly Still, an Associate Director with Bristol Old Vic, and follow them through the First World War sections, finding them in film, audio and graphics amongst related real-life material.

In addition, the curators at M Shed have developed new trail highlighting 14 of the fascinating war-related objects and stories displayed in the permanent galleries. Pick up a printed copy of the trail when you visit the museum or click on the link below to download the PDF.

Download the PDF HERE(3.6MB).

Comment

The Moved by Conflict was exceptionally well presented, covering a good range of topics with a good balance between artifacts and written information.

Moved by Conflict is a wonderfully rich exhibition. I love the use of creative storytelling to highlight many of the interwoven issues that affected the people of Bristol. I've visited 3 times so far.

Quickly to say THANK YOU for the marvellous exhibition which I visited last week with our autistic grandson. There was plenty to keep him occupied and lots that made me determined to return for a more focused visit. Wonderful. What fun you must have had.

#MovedbyConflict @mshedbristol is brilliant. Creative, thoughtful – the best #firstworldwar exhibition I've seen.

Moved by Conflict is a wonderfully rich exhibition. I love the use of creative storytelling to highlight many of the interwoven issues that affected the people of Bristol. I've visited 3 times so far.

This has been a truly magnificent exhibition; I will certainly be reusing my ticket, and recommending this to my English Literature sixth form students. The details will inspire them in their war literature study. Thank you

You managed to convey life on the home front while not losing a sense of what was going on in the trenches at the same time. There were some lovely personal details that somehow gave a complete picture… The exhibition was informative, interesting and at the same time very moving.  Bravo!  We are recommending it to friends.

I've seen several exhibitions on the centenary so far and the one at Bristol is by far the best, both to what concerns design (some bright ideas) as to what concerns balanced views. To include war profiteering, conscientious objection and the colonial World in a local exhibition is – unfortunately – « du jamais vu » in the UK.

If in #Bristol from now to March I’d recommend you visit @mshedbristol  for #movedbyconflict exhibition.  Very proud of this city.

I implore everyone to go and see #MovedbyConflict ww1 exhibition at @mshedbristol. It’s so well done.  Can’t really do it justice in one visit.

Impressed with the #MovedbyConflict exhibition at @mshedbristol. Interesting stories and level of design is immaculate. Well done museum!