Minor concerns: representations of children and childhood in British museums

Abstract

This paper investigates the different ways that British museums have represented children and childhood. It examines the argument that children are underrepresented in Britain’s museum displays, and reviews different images and constructions of children and childhood observed in recent exhibitions. Evidence is also offered to contest the principle that all such exhibitions will generate a completely positive and nostalgic image of childhood. As children are a social group with relevance to all visitors, and childhood is often perceived as a common experience, it is important to understand such representations, so as to impart a voice to children in museums that speaks with as much consideration and balance as those extended to other minority social groups.