Curating the Troubles and Beyond: The Northern Ireland Prison Service Collection (PID301)

11am – 12.30pm GMT, 28 October 2026 ‐ 1 hour 30 mins

Room: Hall 1A (Level 1)

Parallel Workshops

The Northern Ireland (NI) Prison Service Collection was acquired by the Ulster Museum in 2018. It is a large collection consisting of, among other things, homemade tools and weapons, uniforms, prison artwork, maps and photographs, notices, contraband, objects modified to conceal contraband and body armour. Since acquiring this material we have undergone a lengthy process of documentation and condition assessment as well as sensitive engagement with relevant stakeholders on its meaning, significance and interpretive value. 

During this showcase session we will bring a selection of objects from the Northern Ireland (NI) Prison Service Collection to the conference for people to view and we will introduce our approach to the collection, the work we have done to date and our plans for a major exhibition on prison heritage.

Speakers

Karen Logan

Senior Curator of History, National Museums, Northern Ireland

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Oak Lawrenson

AHRC CDP PhD Researcher, Ulster University and National Museums, Northern Ireland

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Karen Logan

Senior Curator of History, National Museums, Northern Ireland

With her team of curators across History, Archaeology, World Cultures and Transport, Karen leads the research, development and interpretation of these collections. Karen curated the Ulster Museum’s The Troubles and Beyond exhibition, which first opened in March 2018.  Her focus is on the legacy of the past and community history in Northern Ireland. She has published on these themes and co-curated a number of temporary and touring exhibitions including Figures Through the Wire: Artwork by Geordie Morrow and Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey. She is currently co-supervising a PhD on the history, significance and interpretive value of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Collection at the Ulster Museum being undertaken by Oak Lawrenson.

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Oak Lawrenson

AHRC CDP PhD Researcher, Ulster University and National Museums, Northern Ireland

With her team of curators across History, Archaeology, World Cultures and Transport, Karen leads the research, development and interpretation of these collections. Karen curated the Ulster Museum’s The Troubles and Beyond exhibition, which first opened in March 2018.  Her focus is on the legacy of the past and community history in Northern Ireland. She has published on these themes and co-curated a number of temporary and touring exhibitions including Figures Through the Wire: Artwork by Geordie Morrow and Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey. She is currently co-supervising a PhD on the history, significance and interpretive value of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Collection at the Ulster Museum being undertaken by Oak Lawrenson.