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Costume and Textile Collection

The collection essentially supports the presentation and interpretation of the buildings collection. The collection reflects the life and activities that took place within the buildings in the museum’s collection, and reflects the periods of the buildings concerned.

Subjects

Costume (leisurewear); Textiles; Costume and Textile; Costume (workwear); Western European

Agriculture Collection

The collection reflects the activities that took place in such structures as the windmill, barns and other agricultural buildings, and is mainly of 19th. and early 20th.C. date. The agriculture collection supports the understanding and presentation of the buildings collection.

Subjects

Food processing; Agriculture; People (society); Western European

Social History Collection

The collections relating to domestic life and service are important in their own right and as a vehicle in the interpretation of the site. The social history collection reflects activities associated with the buildings collection as well as having significance in its own right.

Subjects

Ceramics; Metalwork; People (children); Furniture; People (society); Social History; Glass; Western European

Transport Collection

The transport collection contains a number of horse-drawn vehicles of various kinds appropriate to the buildings collection The working transport exhibits are important both in their own right and in the interpretation of the site. They are of late 19th. and early 20th.C. date.

Subjects

Road Transport; Transport; Horse-drawn transport; Western European

Science and Industry Collection

The tools and machinery collection provides a detailed insight into a wide range of processes. The chain-making, nail-making and sawpit equipment are especially well represented. A number of working/interactive exhibits reflect activities associated with the buildings on site. The collection of building materials, equipment and fittings is unusual. There is a small display, but most of the material is kept for study purposes. The purpose of the collection is to preserve and record material from trades and industries that were pursued in the museum’s buildings. The chain-making, nail-making and sawpit equipment are especially well represented. The collection of building materials, equipment and fittings is unusual.

Subjects

Agriculture; Industry and commerce; Construction; Science and Industry; Manufacturing; Metal working; Western European

Archives Collection

The museum library and archive contains written material related to architecture, building trades and crafts, building conservation, rural trades and industries, local history and topography and other related museums in the UK and abroad. There is a photographic archive relating largely to buildings on site, and the museum also holds the archive of the Hereford and Worcester Architectural record Group. There is also a small oral history archive. The collection is of late 19th. and 20th.C. date. There is a wide-ranging archive of material related to the buildings and associated trades covered by the object collections. There is a photographic archive relating largely to buildings on site, and the museum also holds the archive of the Hereford and Worcester Architectural record Group. There is also a small oral history archive.

Subjects

Oral history; Documents (commercial); Documents (historic); Archives; Photography; Western European

Source: Cornucopia

Date: Not known, but before 2015

Licence: CC BY-NC

Axminster Museum was opened in 1982 and was housed in the old courthouse. This museum built up a collection to tell the story of Axminster and the surrounding villages. The Collection was mainly developed by donations from local residents. Run by a dedicated team of volunteers they gained Accreditation for the museum in 1996.

In 2002 a group of local Axminster carpet enthusiasts set up a group to plan for the 250th anniversary of the first Axminster carpet in 2005. The events were a success and it was suggested to them that they set up a museum dedicated to the Axminster Carpet story. In 2006 Axminster Heritage Ltd was formed and in 2012 they were successful in purchasing part of the second phase of the Georgian carpet factory. However, by this time it was clear a museum just of Axminster Carpets was going to be a bit niche and Axminster probably couldn’t maintain 2 museums.

Discussions were held between Axminster Heritage Ltd and Axminster Museum and in 2015 the collection of Axminster Museum was transferred to Axminster Heritage Ltd. The transfer was agreed because the old carpet factory offered a much better space for exhibition development, storeroom development and as the museum would be on the ground floor it could be made fully accessible. Some of the former Trustees of the Axminster Museum became Trustees of Axminster Heritage Ltd, and many of the volunteers transferred over to carry on roles at Axminster Heritage Ltd.

Since 2015 Axminster Heritage Limited has taken on the role for collecting artifacts and archives that tell the story of Axminster and the surrounding areas, but does declare one of its specialist interests is Axminster carpets. Axminster Heritage Ltd was able to gain both a Georgian Loom and a 1937 Crabtree carpet loom to illustrate the two periods of Axminster carpet manufacture in the town, as well as extend the general collections.

Source: Collection development policy

Date: 2016

Licence: CC BY-NC

The geographical area to which the collections relate is the parish of Axminster and the surrounding parishes of Musbury, Shute, Membury, Kilmington, Dalwood, Stockland, All Saints, Chardstock and Uplyme, including villages of Umborne and Whitford.

Axminster Carpets – this is a collection of original Axminster carpets, including an original loom. Future priorities are to increase the number of original carpets and become a base for a national collection, setting up a data base for all known Axminster carpets around the world. It features an original painting of Thomas Whitty, the creator of Axminster carpet industry and will include a small collection of hand spinning and weaving looms. Future priorities are to collect and develop a full range of linked equipment.

Decorative Art – this is a small collection including cider mugs, glass bottles, ceramic receptacles, stone and furniture ,including a grandfather clock made in Axminster by J.Hawkins c 1795.Some of this has been photographed and catalogued.

Costume and Textiles– this is a small collection, including accessories, from mid-Victorian times to the 1930’s. It includes domestic, agricultural and military items. Of particular note is christening gloves believed to be the first Duke of Marlborough’s. This all needs conservation checks and repacking in 2016.

Numismatics – this contains military medals, commemorative medals and coins. Of particular interest is the collection of agricultural medals.

Geology – this mainly relates to the Victorian collection of Dr. Connybear who was born in Axminster.

Archaeology – this is a small collection ranging from information on Cloakham circles, the Dissolution of Newnham Abbey and Roman finds at Wick .

Photographs – including prints, plates and negatives of local views, people and activities. It includes local companies such as Shands and Axminster Carpets, as well as the Cattle Market and local social events and sporting events. This has been largely catalogued. Also included is a library of local books from Victorian times.Priority areas are future storage and conservation and the completion of digital copies, some of which have been done.

Archive – this is a medium collection relating to local families, commercial firms, local organisations, newspapers, broadsheets, programmes, paper souvenirs, and other ephemera. Also included are documents from Axminster Carpets, Shands and Dawkins. These date from c 1700 and future rationalisation will be needed.

Agriculture and Rural life – this is a medium collection of objects relating to various aspects of rural life including wine and cider jars. There is also a small collection of advertising signs relating to local businesses. Most items are catalogued but some rationalisation is needed owing to the condition of some of the items.

Social History – this includes ALL the other material that does not fit into the other categories eg the material relating to Thomas Wakely who created the Lancet. There is also a good selection of social history books relating to Axminster. This collection will require rationalisation with some items transferring to the Handling collection.

The Handling collection – the trust owns a handling collection which consists of some real and some replica artefacts. Some have been donated as handling items and transferred from main collections. This is a priority for development over the next few years, particularly in terms of rationalising the social history collections and transferring them for handling purposes. Items selected will generally either be duplicates of other items or not from the core collection.

Source: Collection development policy

Date: 2016

Licence: CC BY-NC

Transport

Comprises 5 buses including:

GHN 189, the oldest remaining United double-decker with chassis assembled in 1942 from parts produced before Bristol switched to war work, fitted with a utility body built by Northern Counties. In 1954, the current 1949 ECW Lowbridge body was fitted. Registered as GHN 189 on the 10th August 1942, Fleet No. BDO29 changed to BGL 29 on Ist May 1951. The bus was sold to Silcox of Pembroke dock, South Wales in March 1959, withdrawn in November 1969 and bought by the Reverend Phillip Battersby in I 970 for preservation; later passing to this Society in I 981. In the mid 1980s considerable restoration work was undertaken to keep the vehicle roadworthy; it has recently had new rear springs fitted and oil seals renewed on the back axle. Further substantial bodywork and engine refurbishment will be needed for the next I 0 years of active life. GHN 189 starred in YTV’s Heartbeat dramas along with its L type single deck stablemate LHN86O. SPEC: Chassis built by Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co Ltd. – K5G type, Engine Gardner 5LW 5-cylinder diesel. 7.0 litre, developing 94 bhp (70.1 kW) @ 1700 rpm, bolted directly to the chassis with Water cooling system unpressurised with no fan-assistance. Gearbox and transmission 4 speed crash (without synchromesh but with a clutch brake) and reverse to an underslung worm rear axle. Speed 38 mph (61.2 kph) Fuel Consumption 12 mpg (4.3 km/litre) urban, 20 mpg (7.1 km/litre) distance work. Weight 7tons 6cwts 2 quarters (7.325 tonnes). Dimensions width 7′ 6″ (2.13 m) length 26′ (7.92 m) height 13′ 5″ (4.09 m) Seating 53; upper saloon 27; lower saloon 26. Electrical System 12 volts Brakes Vacuum-assisted triple servo. Current body composite steel and wood framed lowbridge construction, by Eastern Coach Works of Lowestoft, built 1949 for a Leyland Titan TD2 and fitted to this bus in 1954.

LHN 860, chassis was built in I 949 by the Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. Ltd. and was supplied to United with a standard Eastern Coach Works single-deck bus body. Converted in 1960 to one-person-operation when the driver and rear passenger doors were sealed up, and a new power door fitted at the front; the cab side screen was angled to allow a ticket machine to be fitted; and the bulkhead behind the driver’s seat was cut away. The bus was sold by United in 1966 to J.T Bell (now Bellway Homes) for workmen’s transport and purchased by the Society in 1983, restored between 1989 and 1996. It is the only surviving example of those modified. Starred in the Yorkshire TV series Heartbeat and Catherine Cookson’s TV drama Round Tower. SPEC: Chassis Bristol L5G, Engine Gardner 5LW 5-cylinder 7.0 litre 94bhp (70.1 kW) @ 1700 rpm. Transmission Manual clutch with clutch-brake, 5 forward speed (non-synchromesh) and reverse gearbox, Top speed 52mph (83.7 km/h) Body Eastern Coachworks 35-seat single-deck bus Dimenions length 27′ 6″ (8.38 m) width 7′ 6″ (2.29 m) height 9′ 10″ (3.00 m) Weight 6 tons 9cwts 2 quarters (6.48 tonnes) United fleet number BG413 AHN 451B, ex Darlington Corporation, 1964 Daimler CCG5 double decker, restored 1983, No 7 was one of 12 purchased. Fleet replaced in 1980 by single deckers. Purchased by Society in 1981.

NDL 769G was registered in 1969 by Southern Vectis, it was last in service with United in 1984. Purchased by the Society because of its association with the Newtonian Service between 1981 and 1984, it was the precursor of the Roadranger services. The vehicle returned to its original United livery by the Society when acquired in 1984 and changed to the “Newtonian” style in 1998 as part of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the new town of Newton Aycliffe. Unusual because of its body design by Marshall of Cambridge who are well known for specialist vehicles and aircraft conversions. The type was noted for its heavy steering, manual gear change and a’bouncy’ suspension. Regular drivers of LH vehicles compliment the condition of the vehicle. Fleet numbers Southern Vectis 833, United Automobile Services 1452 , Chassis Bristol LHS6L, Engine Leyland 401, 6.54-litre 6-cylinder horizontally mounted diesel developing 120 bhp and returning 12/14 mpg, Transmission 5 speed manual synchromesh gearbox, Body Marshall (Cambridge) 35-seat single-deck bus,Dimensions length 26′ 4″ (8.03 m) width 7′ 6″ (2.29 m) height 9′ 10″ (3.00 m) 304 GHN ex United, 1958 Bristol LS6G single decker is currently under restoration.

Source: Cornucopia

Date: Not known, but before 2015

Licence: CC BY-NC

Ayscoughfee Hall Museum was set up by South Holland District Council in 1983 to provide a Museum which would collect and display material from within the boundaries of the South Holland district of Lincolnshire. This fenland area has a distinctive character and particular emphasis was laid on collecting material relating to land drainage, agriculture and horticulture. The Museum first opened to the public in 1987 with one gallery displaying objects relating to drainage and agriculture in the district. It closed for refurbishment in October 2003.

Ayscoughfee Hall Museum reopened to the public in June 2006 following a project that saw the building refurbished and the Museum reinterpreted. This scheme was financed largely by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and they requested that the building, along with its history and development, be the main exhibit of the new Museum.

The majority of items in the collection have been donated by local people, from the Museum’s inception in 1987.

Source: Collection development policy

Date: 2022

Licence: CC BY-NC

The Museum’s collection has strengths in a number of areas, notably agriculture, horticulture, Fen drainage and social history (particularly costume and photographs).

A number of other collections maintained by the Museum are worthy of specific mention.

Archaeology

The majority of the archaeological objects (Prehistoric, Roman, Saxon and Medieval), on display in Ayscoughfee are on loan from the archaeology department of Lincolnshire County Council’s Heritage Services section.

Archives

The Museum has a large archival collection relating to the South Holland district.

Art

In 2019 a significant group of 10 portraits was acquired from a descendant of the Johnson family. The portraits, of various members of the Johnson family, were acquired by private treaty sale with support from Art Fund, The Victoria & Albert/ Arts Council England Purchase Grant Fund and Museums Association Beecroft Bequest, as well as South Holland District Council. The Museum has a small collection of art including works on paper and easel paintings. Most of these relate in some way to the building or to the families who owned or lived in Ayscoughfee.

Books for display purposes

The large number of books currently on display in the Museum’s Victorian Library comes mainly from the collection of Dr. William Strong, chaplain to King William IV. They have been on loan to Ayscoughfee from Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery since 1987 and neither party has any plans to change this arrangement.

Schools loan collection

The Museum maintains a small collection of stuffed, cased British birds and small mammals. This collection is seen as being outside the scope of the permanent Museum collection, and as such is treated as a separate entity. It will continue to be offered to schools on a loan basis.

Source: Collection development policy

Date: 2022

Licence: CC BY-NC

Agriculture Collection

Local significance. A small collection of agricultural equipment relating to the history of Bakewell and district within a 15 mile radius and to The Old House and its inhabitants.

Subjects

Agriculture; Agricultural implements; Agricultural equipment

Costume and Textiles Collection

Local significance. A collection of approximately 3000 costume, accessories and textile items, including c. 180 lace items and 25 samplers. All associated with the history of Bakewell and district within a 15 mile radius or connected with The Old House and its inhabitants.

Subjects

Embroidery; Textiles; Lace; Textile arts; Costume

Library and Archive Collection

Local significance. The small library contains c. 500 items contributing to the study of the local history of Bakewell, the surrounding area, The Old House and its inhabitants. The collection includes books, photographs, maps and material relating to local industries.

Subjects

Lead mines; Cotton textile industry; Books; Local history; Photographs; Lead mining; Maps; Industry

Photography Collection

Photographic items approx. 100 relating to Bakewell and the surrounding district within a 15 mile radius and relating to The Old House and its inhabitants. It includes photographs. Local significance.

Subjects

Photographic equipment; Photographs; Photography

Social History Collection

Collections of social history items relating to the history and inhabitants of The Old House and to Bakewell and the surrounding district, within a radius of 15 miles. The collections include household and domestic items (1200 items), ceramics (150 items) and lighting (75 items). This fine collection consists of domestic furniture and equipment dating principally from Tudor times. Local significance.

Subjects

Ceramics; Household goods; Domestic equipment; Domestic life; Furniture; Tudor period; Lighting equipment; Lighting; Social history; People

Science and Industry Collection

Local significance. Collections relating to local industries of Bakewell and surrounding district within radius of 15 miles, including Ashford Marble (20 items); DP Batteries (50 items); leather industry (15 items); saddler (20 items); blacksmith (40 items); wheelwright (70 items); toy industry (85 items).

Subjects

Trade (practice); Local history; Leather industry; Toy manufacture; Science; Crafts; Saddlers; Batteries (electrical); Marble; Toys; Wheelwrighting; Blacksmithing; Industry

Source: Cornucopia

Date: Not known, but before 2015

Licence: CC BY-NC

Ancient Egyptian Collection

The museum holds 7 ancient Egyptian objects. Classes of objects represented in the collection include: food/plant material (bread fragment); pottery; shabtis. Objects are known to have come from the following location in Egypt: Thebes (?).

Subjects

Ancient civilizations; Antiquities; Egyptian history; Antiquity; Archaeology; Egyptology

Source: Cornucopia

Date: Not known, but before 2015

Licence: CC BY-NC