North Devon in 100 Objects

After a very long gap, during which we have opened our extension, and then closed several times due to the COVID pandemic, I am restarting this blog. The reason is because we are about to open a new exhibition, entitled "North Devon in 100 Objects". This blog contains the articles about each object which are …

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11. View from the River by F.R.Lee This small painting, created in 1821, is the work of Frederick Richard Lee, the only Royal Academician from Barnstaple.  It shows the town from the river, before the improvements and building of Victorian times, and contrasts with the large scale paintings Lee was to go on to create. …

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10. The Instow Communion Cup In the museum we look after a number of church communion cups dating from the late 16th century.  Many of them are rather similar:  a “decent” Protestant communion cup in a conical shape with a foot and a band of simple ornament.   But they vary quite a lot in size.  …

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9. Peggy James's Sampler The word sampler is derived from the old French term 'essamplaire', meaning 'an example', referring to work that has been copied. Samplers were created to show off an individual’s embroidery work, and from the 18th century onwards became part of a young girl’s education. In the Museum’s collection there are several …

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12. The Bowden's Indian Balm Sign This splendid sign advertises Bowden’s Indian Balm, a cure-all ointment that was made and sold at the end of Butchers Row in Barnstaple until 1973.  It has a fascinating story to tell of missionaries and colonialism as well as medicine. William Bowden, together with his friend William Beer, were …

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13. Michael Baylis's Escape Kit This peculiar collection of objects is a Second World War Escape kit issued to Lieutenant Michael Baylis of the Royal Devon Yeomanry. During the War, the Yeomanry served as 142nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery.  After some time in home defence they were sent to the Mediterranean to serve in the …

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14. The Partridge Collection An important part of our large geology collection is known as the “Partridge Collection”. In researching this we have come across the astonishing story of one of Barnstaple’s most remarkable women. Ethel Mary Partridge was born in Barnstaple in 1872, the daughter of pharmacist James Partridge. She was educated locally, winning …

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15. The Barnstaple Balloting Pots These two pots were once used to elect the Mayor and Aldermen of Barnstaple Borough. Although they look ceramic, they are actually made of wood (see the woodworm holes!) and were first recorded in use in 1556. Elizabethan Barnstaple was a prosperous and fast-growing town and borough with a thriving …

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16. A Hair from an Elephant's Tail This elephant hair was posted to Henry Desborough of Pilton, probably around 1860.  It found its way into the collections of the North Devon Athenaeum, perhaps via the Literary and Scientific Institution, of which Henry was a member. Museums in the 19th century became the home of all …

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17. The Huxtable Plough This clever invention was developed here in North Devon. John Huxtable was a blacksmith’s son from Brayford, who was fascinated with all things mechanical from childhood. He used to watch the farmers at work in the fields near his home.  The mouldboards of standard ploughs always turned the soil to the …

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18. The Evacuee's Doll This doll, dressed in pink, represents the experiences of one war-time child who was evacuated from London to the peace of North Devon. Her name was Janet. Bombed out of their home, Janet, her younger sister, baby brother and their mother were taken to a local Rest Centre, while their father …