This exhibition was a display of material collected by the Museum it included some of the more recently acquired objects such as a stereoscope, fishing tackle, eighteenth century footwear from Appleby, the seal dated 1836 of the Penrith 'Northern Light Lodge', and the medals awarded for photography to a Penrithian J C Varty-Smith (d.1924) an early patron of the Museum.
A group of silver coins found by a metal detectorist at Tebay and acquired through the Portable Antiquities Scheme can also be seen. They range from 1551 to 1696, some showing evidence of 'clipping', the criminal paring off of the precious metal.
The 1950's and 1960's are well represented with some of the exhibits destined, perhaps, to be the curiosities of the future. One from the 1940's that is already in this category is the small Second World War child's gas mask coloured red and blue to make it more ‘friendly’ giving it the look almost of a cartoon character.
Quite a number, then, of the exhibits belong to the comparatively recent past and are sure to trigger the memories of ‘thirty something’ visitors in particular. Fine art is also represented with works by the Penrith artists Edward G Hobley and William S Cowper.
A hero is also recalled - Alec Kerr of Penrith whose swimming medals dated 1894-1898 including one for life-saving. The display extends to material used this year in the Museum’s schools education workshops including Edwardian educational toys.
The exhibition runs until 31 October 2009.
Should you wish to loan, donate or bequeath any objects to the Museum the curators will only be to happy to receive them.
Museum Curators
Penrith and Eden Museum curators are available to answer questions on current and future exhibitions as well as any other questions concerning the museum and its collections:
- Contact: Dr Sydney T Chapman or Mrs Judith Clarke, MA AMA, Joint Curators,
- Address: Penrith Museum, Robinson School, Penrith CA11 7PT
- Telephone: 01768 865105
- Email: museum@eden.gov.uk
