‘Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict’ exhibition to mark GFA 25th anniversary at Magee College

‘Everyday objects transformed by the conflict’ is a free exhibition that reveals unique and everyday stories through a range of loaned objects and their accompanying labels, all written in the words of those who own them.

It has been developed by the cross-community Healing Through Remembering initiative.

Objects such as twisted metal from an exploded car, a journalist's notes scribbled onto unused cheques, a bullet-proof clipboard used by the security forces, as well as a matchbox with a well-known unionist slogan ‘Ulster says No’ printed on its cover, are examples of the range of diverse objects on loan for this exhibition, located on the Derry campus.

Professor Brandon Hamber, John Hume and Thomas P. O'Neill Chair in Peace, Ulster University, said: “This is an important exhibition to bring to the Derry-Londonderry Campus.

"As we reflect on 25 years since the Belfast Agreement, it reminds us of the complex and varied stories we need to integrate into our society if we are to create sustainable peace.

"The legacy of the conflict is not something we can legislate away but needs to be engaged with in a detailed way and with care, the exhibit provides this very opportunity, and I am delighted we can share it with the university community and the wider public.”

Kate Turner, Director of Healing Through Remembering said: “This exhibition offers a range of views, perspectives, and experiences all explained through everyday objects by the objects’ owners, in their own words.

"This insight into the lives of others is all the more important when the lack of an agreed narrative of the conflict in and about Northern Ireland is seen as a major hindrance to progressing peace.”

The stories behind these objects offer, not only a glimpse into the everyday lives and memories of individuals, communities, and organisations, but they also help visitors explore the nature, causes and effects of conflict, recognised as some of the most difficult years gone by in our history and in many people's lives.

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The exhibit is a free event supported by INCORE and Healing Through Remembering, in partnership with the John Hume and Thomas P. O'Neill Chair in Peace. It is being hosted on the first floor of the MU building and is open to the public until November 15.

John Hume: The Persuader book launch

Another event forming part of the Ulster University Good Friday Agreement programming took place this week on the Derry campus: the launch of a new book: ‘John Hume: The Persuader’ by award-winning journalist Stephen Walker.

Walker, known for reporting on politics for over 30 years, combines over 100 interviews with many of Hume’s colleagues, critics, and family members, with never-before-published interviews with Hume himself to present a comprehensive portrait of one of the most significant political figures of the last 50 years.

‘Lot of catching up to do’ to realise economic dividend of GFA in Derry, says Eamonn McKee