Oxford has a long history of people bathing in the city’s rivers, in official and unofficial spots. Outdoor bathing places featured in Oxford’s culture through art, poetry, and other creative forms. There are no official outdoor river bathing places left, but with a resurgence of wild swimming and drives to clean up our polluted waterways, what could the future hold for Oxford’s river swimming?
Join us in this workshop to reflect on this question through visiting one of these historic bathing sites, learning some of the history of river swimming, and imagining what could lie ahead.
Using creative writing, collaging, and blackout poetry, you’ll create your own postcard to the future of river bathing in Oxford and beyond.
Additional information
Materials, refreshment and guidance provided. Families with children welcome, we recommend ages 14+ but leave the decision to parents’ discretion.
Please contact us if you have any access needs that you would like to discuss (including facing financial barriers).
Tickets are available to buy via Eventbrite (with a booking fee) or in person from the Museum’s Gift Shop.
The Museum is accessible for wheelchair users and baby carriers. There is step-free, level entry access to the Town Hall is via the entrance closest to Carfax (to the left of the main steps as you face the Town Hall). Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift and lift to the basement level. Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our website: https://museumofoxford.org/plan-your-visit/access
Photo consent: Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.