The Council has partnered with Durham University to produce Colours: Preserving the Pride of our Regiment.
Working with textile experts from the Bowes Museum, the DLI Collection team has been examining, photographing, and re-wrapping the banners, flags, and Colours of the Regiment.
With over 100 of these items in the DLI Collection, the project aims to understand the current condition of the Colours and their conservation needs.
The results have also fed into the design for the custom-built storage at their future home, The Story at Mount Oswald, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.
History-lovers can now view these objects online, with interactive photographs and videos showing how the items were made, when they were used, and their meaning to the Regiment.
People can also watch a video of the Conservation in Action project, showing the process of how the objects are examined.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “The DLI collection is a significant part of our county’s heritage, each piece telling its own unique story of the history of the Regiment.
“We are delighted to be able to bring these historic items to light where they can be viewed and explored by anyone online. This exhibition gives an insight into the fascinating process of how these items are cared for and maintained, particularly as they are being prepared for their new home at The Story at Mount Oswald.”
Dr Craig Barclay, head of museums, galleries and exhibitions at Durham University, said: “The members of Durham University’s award-winning digital exhibitions team have been delighted to work with Durham County Council on this project, which will bring the story of the Durham Light Infantry to new audiences around the globe.”
The exhibition is just one of the many cultural events and activities taking place in the county this year, demonstrating the council’s ongoing commitment to culture-led regeneration.
This includes delivering key projects within the county’s shortlisted UK City of Culture bid and raising the county’s profile as a fantastic place to live, work, visit and invest.
It also includes progressing major capital projects, such as the redevelopment of the former DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery into a stunning new creative centre showcasing national and international contemporary art alongside collections that celebrate the county’s heritage.
Colours: Preserving the Pride of our Regiment will be available to view online at stories.durham.ac.uk/colours
