Science Museum Collections Prompt New British Sign Language (BSL) Signs

An innovative Science Museum Group’s project has used its scientific collections to create new British Sign Language (BSL) signs, showcasing how creative research can advance accessibility and make a social impact. By integrating material culture and collaboration across disciplines, the initiative highlights how museums can address contemporary challenges and empower diverse communities.

At the Creative Museums Summit 2024, Scott Anthony, Deputy Head of Research and Public History at the Science Museum Group (SMG), shared work which focused on using scientific collections to develop new BSL signs, highlighted how museums can play a pivotal role in fostering accessibility and social impact.

The Necessity of Creativity in Museums

Anthony began by emphasising that creativity in museums goes beyond exhibitions and representation. He highlighted how it also influences areas such as outreach programmes, community partnerships, and the development of interactive learning tools, demonstrating its far-reaching impact on museum operations. For him, creativity is an essential tool for stitching together the diverse functions of a museum, from research to education, helping to achieve wider social and cultural goals.

At SMG, which encompasses institutions such as the Science Museum in South Kensington, the National Railway Museum in York, and the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, research and creativity are critical for coordinating efforts across a geographically dispersed group of museums with an extraordinarily varied collection. These collections include everything from Nazi binoculars to Marie Curie’s papers, tractors, and geological models.

With the opening of the National Collection Centre (NCC), which houses over 300,000 objects, SMG has entered a new era of accessibility and collaboration. The BSL project is a testament to this creative momentum, demonstrating how historic collections can be leveraged to address contemporary challenges.

Bridging Gaps Through British Sign Language

The BSL project was born from a partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London, which provided funding to explore the potential of SMG’s collections in generating new BSL signs. Initially, the plan was to film a few BSL signs on the museum floor, but Anthony and his team envisioned a more impactful approach. They proposed using the collections themselves as tools for creating signs, bringing together scientists, BSL experts, curators, and communication professionals for a collaborative workshop.

The workshop was held at the NCC, where participants explored historic objects such as early scientific instruments, geological models, and vintage technology to inspire the development of new signs. Anthony noted that material culture is particularly suited to this work because BSL often relies on expressive and visual representations of concepts. For instance, the BSL sign for “black hole” incorporates a gesture mimicking a vacuum, rather than simply combining the words “black” and “hole.” The workshop underscored the importance of physical interaction with objects, allowing participants to better understand and articulate their scientific significance.

Responding to a Growing Need

Anthony highlighted the growing demand for BSL vocabulary, particularly in light of the UK’s new BSL Act, which legally recognises British Sign Language as a language in its own right and requires public bodies to improve accessibility for the deaf community through its use. This legislative change has made the expansion of BSL vocabulary a pressing priority, with museums uniquely positioned to contribute through their collections.

The workshop yielded several proposed signs, which will be reviewed for inclusion in the BSL Glossary hosted by the Scottish Sensory Centre. Fiona Slater, a participant in the project, described the day as a pilot that revealed the vast potential for future collaboration. She noted how exploring objects inspired the creation of new gestures and hand shapes, demonstrating the profound connection between material culture and language development.

A Model for Creative Research

The BSL project exemplifies how creative research can unify seemingly disparate aspects of a museum—from historic collections to contemporary science communication—and amplify their social impact. Anthony argued that creativity and research should not be seen as optional embellishments but as core necessities that make museums relevant and meaningful.

By developing tools such as new BSL vocabulary inspired by historic objects and collaborative workshops with experts, the BSL project not only addresses an immediate need but also sets the stage for long-term collaboration and innovation. Anthony expressed hope that the initiative would attract new partners and funders, ensuring its continued growth and impact.

Looking Ahead

For Anthony and the Science Museum Group, projects like this are about more than accessibility; they represent a shift towards relational public services that engage and empower communities. By using their collections to address societal challenges, SMG demonstrates how museums can be agents of change, bridging the gap between history and contemporary needs.

The BSL project is a powerful reminder of the role museums can play in fostering inclusion, creativity, and collaboration. As museum professionals reflect on their own practices, this initiative offers a compelling example of how research and creativity can be harnessed to make a meaningful difference.

–

Scott Anthony, Deputy Head of Research and Public History at the Science Museum Group (SMG) spoke at the Creative Museums Summit 2024. To find out about the latest MuseumNext events click here.