Objects on Display

Information about the objects on plinths and in cases, listed by object name

Bust

Sculpture thought to be titled ‘Mirth’, made by Stroud sculptor Joshua Walls, who also made carvings in St. Laurence’s Church. ‘Mirth’ along with ‘Wrath’ used to sit at the bottom of the staircase in Stroud Subscription Rooms. (CM.4273)

Bust

Sculpture thought to be titled ‘Wrath’, made by Stroud sculptor Joshua Walls, who also made carvings in St. Laurence’s Church. ‘Wrath’ along with ‘Mirth’ used to sit at the bottom of the staircase in Stroud Subscription Rooms. (CM.4274)

Insect Collection

This tray of beetles and dragonflies is part of a larger insect collection, compiled by the donor between 1960 and 1990. The more exotic insects were purchased, but he collected the native species locally. The beetles and dragonflies from this collection also feature in several of the photographs exhibited. (2011.22/11) 

Mobile Phone

This analogue phone was made by Vodafone in the late 1980s. It belonged to a company director at Nickson’s Feeds - a fish food company in Moreton Valence. (2015.18)

Vole

Field voles are commonly found in Europe but this one may have been collected because of its Albinism. It was brought back from Switzerland by local collector V. P. Kitchin and presented to the Museum in 1945. Vernon Parry Kitchin (1876-1959) worked as a teacher in Switzerland and in the UK, eventually settling in Painswick. He largely collected archaeology so the vole and the minerals on display in this exhibition are atypical in his collection. (2008.51/34)

Watch Mechanism

This mechanism is signed Samuel Collings, Thornbury, 50182. In the 1840s, Samuel Collings and his brother Alfred traded as watch and clockmakers on Thornbury High Street. They followed in the footsteps of their father and grandfather who were also well known local clockmakers. (1976.87)

Helmet

This metal helmet is part of a knight’s armour. It is probably theatrical costume. (SW.48)

Shoe Lasts

A shoe last is the base on which a cobbler builds a shoe. This pair has been built up with pieces of leather to customise the shape, possibly to allow for bunions. They came from Ben Bishop’s Shoe Shop in Minchinhampton. (1988.207/1)

Spanner

This pattern of adjustable spanner was invented in 1843 by Richard Clyburn of Uley. It is a rare, later example with an evenly curved handle. The V&R stamp may refer to the manufacturer and W.E. Talboys could be the user. (3609)

Television

This was reputedly the first television set in Chalford Hill, bought from Sawyers Television and Electrical which is still based there. It is a model T348 made by Sobell, dating from the late 1950s to early 1960s. (2013.61) 

Coin Counter

The Brandt Automatic Cashier was invented in Wisconsin in the 1890s, to dispense change automatically in set amounts. This example probably dates from the early 20th century. (Y1986.984)

Fire Extinguisher

This early 20th century fire extinguisher was made by Pyrene which was one of the leading companies in the production of fire fighting equipment at that time. In the 1970s they became Chubb Fire Security – a company still trading today. (CM.976)

Polecat

This polecat was shot by Daniel Allen who was gamekeeper for A. T. Playne Esquire. Playne was one of the family of mill owners who owned Longfords Mill. They later joined with Winterbotham and Strachan to form the company WSP which still produces cloth in Stroud today. (3550)

Tooth

This tooth belonged to an ancient species of elephant. It was found in Norfolk and dates from the Pliocene era which means it is between 2.6 and 5.3 million years old. (1950.87)  

Snake

An adder preserved in fluid, given to the Museum in the 1930s. (2393)

Matchbox

We don’t know how or when these two wasps in a matchbox ended up in our Museum stores. But their quirky nature means they have gained notoriety. What story would you create for them? (2008.51/150)

Revolver

This LeMat Percussion Revolver is an extremely rare object. It was invented by Jean Alexandre LeMat of New Orleans in 1856 and was manufactured from 1856 to 1865. It was primarily used by the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War of 1861-65. This example was made by Charles Frederic Girard and Son of Paris between 1864-5. It came to the Museum via John Stuart Daniels - one of the Museum’s early Trustees. (3628)

Glass Bottle

This pint milk bottle was used by Stroud Creamery which was based on Slad Road in Stroud until 1994. (SW.129)

Typewriter

Underwood was an American company based in New York City which manufactured typewriters from the 1890s to 1980s. This example is probably early to mid 20th century. (CM.2996)