S2 E10 • The Faith Museum

In this episode David Trigg takes a visit to the Faith Museum in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, a unique museum exploring British history through the lens of faith.The museum, which opened in 2023, is part of the Auckland Project, a cultural regeneration initiative spearheaded by philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer that has transformed the historic Auckland Palace and is bringing positive change to the post-industrial town that surrounds it. Charting 6,000 years of faith in Britain, the Faith Museum explores the myriad ways in which faith has shaped lives and communities across Britain. It includes an active programme of rotating displays and temporary exhibitions in its four dynamic gallery spaces, which are arranged over two floors. The Faith Museum showcases over 250 objects from 50 lenders across England, Scotland and Wales, including rarely seen objects, national treasures, personal mementos and contemporary commissions.David speaks with Jonathan Ruffer about the genesis of The Faith Museum and hears from Amina Wright, who was senior curator between 2020 and 2024. Clare Baron, Head of Curatorial at the Auckland Project, takes him on a tour of the galleries, sharing some of the museum’s prized exhibits, including the mysterious Gainford Stone, the remarkable Binchester Ring and the mesmerising installation ‘Eidolon’ by Mat Collishaw.To find out more about The Faith Museum visit aucklandproject.orgSupport the showIf you've enjoyed this episode, please consider buying me a coffee