Object lesson | 21 May 2015

The idea of using objects — salt, cod, nutmeg, silk — to turn history lessons into something popular and accessible has been around for at least a generation. It’s a great way to avoid complicated chronologies and the need to remember dates. A well-chosen object, or trading tool, can tell a narrative story that at the same time reflects the multicultural present, often showing unusual and previously unconsidered connections between places and peoples. Neil MacGregor brought the technique to Radio 4 with his brilliantly conceived and executed account of world history as told through 100 objects in the British Museum. That series (and his most recent application of the technique to the story of Germany, as seen through the Beetle car and the sausage) also proved that the 15-minute programme is radio’s greatest asset. It’s just long enough to impart something concrete, useful or entertaining without going beyond the recommended spell of undiluted infospeak before a pause, a change of tempo or tack is required.