#8 of 20 star objects - George Crabbe Display

Again, like the Taylors shop post, rather than focus on just one object, this post will look at an exhibit in the Museum as a whole.
This time, just a small case that could be missed if you were busying yourself with the mouse hunt, or distracted by the workings of our Victorian machinery. That’s not to say that it should be missed, as the man behind it has been admired by many over the years.

sketch of George Crabbe

#7 of 20 star objects - The Teasel Gig

The word 'teasing' derives from the teasel plant, a thistle like seed head, which gives you a good indication of #7 of our star objects purpose - The teasel gig.

The Teasel gig you can see in Trowbridge Museum today is one of the original objects displayed in the Museum from its opening in 1991, and is believed to have been accessioned was from Winterbotham, Stachan and Playne Ltd., Lodgemore Mills, Stroud, Gloucester 1989.

 

 Teasel gig being installed in Trowbridge Museum 1990

#6 of 20 star objects - Taylors Shop

This time rather than focus on just one object, this post will look at an exhibit in the Museum as a whole.
If you have ever visited the Museum you will understand why this display is one of our most talked about, and a favourite with the public; number 6 for our star objects is the Taylors Shop display.  Designed to resemble the drapers shop in Trowbridge in 1940’s, it starts lots of conversations and reminiscing with visitors of all ages.

#5 of 20 star objects - Brocade Wedding Dress

In 1900 Edith Whitaker wore this cream brocade dress. The dress signifies the joining of 2 leading families in the Baptist church and actively involved in the village of Bratton. 

Edith Reeves with her wedding dress, taken by The Wiltshire Times 1968

#4 of 20 star objects - A letter from Thomas Helliker

The Complete Letter Writer, printed in Salisbury, 1768 with handwritten letters supposedly from Thomas, signed Hilliker, on the night before his execution in Fisherton Jail, Salisbury, Wiltshire, March 22nd 1803.

The story of Thomas Helliker (sometimes spelt Hilliker or Elliker), Trowbridge’s Martyr is little known outside of Wiltshire’s county town.

#3 of 20 star ojects - Queen Caroline Banner

At first glance the painted silk banner presented to Queen Caroline, may seem simple and possibly an odd choice for our 20 star objects, however as you delve deeper into its past, it unravels a truly remarkable tale.

#2 of 20 star ojects - The Mystery Lady

The mystery surrounding this portrait is what makes it so special, and deserving of a place on our 20 star objects. The piece has been in our collection since 1986, some four years before the Museum was developed and opened to the public.

 

on display in our gallery