Oxford was originally built between two rivers: the Thames (known locally as the Isis) and the Cherwell. Over the years, these rivers have provided food, boating routes, security from invasion, and places for bathing and swimming.
This exhibition explores how people used these places for socialising, sunbathing, and learning life skills.
It traces how a few bathing places became official institutions, created and managed by City authorities and others. It shows the dangers and challenges of the water; and how access was controlled and opened up at different times.
And it looks to the future, reimagining what we wear, the structures we build, and the art we create in relation to the rivers.
This exhibition was originally on display at the Museum of Oxford between April and September 2023. This online exhibition features some of the items that were on display in this exhibition, as well as contributions by participants of workshops that were held as part of the exhibition.
Use the navigation bar on the right to explore the exhibition, or start here: Oxford's historic bathing places.