Milking It!
Colonialism, heritage and everyday engagement with dairy
-
Photo Credit: Roger Brain
Credit: Horniman Museum and Gardens
Our project is about:
1. UNDERSTANDING MILK’S CULTURAL IMPACT
We can all relate to milk in some way, it is our first food, and whether or not we like milk, it’s something we encounter every day. Yet when you scratch under the surface, milk is surprisingly political. For instance, during the 1980s, both the UK and Kenyan governments provided free milk to school children. This project seeks to understand how our cultural and historical relationships with milk have influenced global dairy guidance, policies and regulations, especially in Kenya and the UK.
2. Historical Connections
There are many historical connections between the dairy industries in the UK and Kenya, with colonialism being a major one. Many British settlers in Kenya set up dairy farms. We'll explore this through three main themes related to milk histories: climate change, sustainable and unsustainable development, and the impact on heritage and health.
3. Community-Led Research and Podcast Creation
We think we know the sounds associated with milk and dairying, but what about violins, roaring, popping corks, suction pads, lorries, and aeroplanes? Podcasting allows us to experience the contrasting landscapes of milk-production and share our research with you.
-
By Roberta Sant'Anna, Unsplash +
Calf on an aeroplane, Kenya
Museum of English Rural Life, Farmers Weekly, Topham, Charles, P FS PH2/B2/1
Man with dairy cow
Photo credit: Getty Images for Unsplash +