North Devon in 100 Objects

As part of our exciting new redevelopment and inspired by 'A History of the World in 100 Objects' by the British Museum, the museum has been compiling 'North Devon in 100 Objects'. The project will bring to light important objects from across North Devon, celebrating long term favourites as well as items that will be displayed for the very first time in our new social history gallery. Looking to the future we aim to publish a book and hope the project will inspire the public to choose and share their favourite objects from North Devon's history. Let's look at some of our favourite objects so far!    

Mrs Moakes was one of the many young evacuees sent to Devon from London during the Second World War. Tennacott Farm in Bideford welcomed her and her family. At Christmas Mrs Moakes received this doll as a gift and after being loved for several years she was donated to the museum's social history collection.

William Wavell was born in Horwood, Barnstaple and became a doctor and amateur geologist. Investigating High Down Quarry in Filleigh during 1805, Dr Wavell discovered examples of the mineral that later became known as Wavellite. This example of Wavellite is most likely from William's original discovery and is on display in our pre-history gallery.

These embroidered gauntlet gloves from our decorative arts collection, were made by Dent, Allcroft and Company. The company produced 12 million pairs of gloves annually at the height of their success and had factories in Torrington and what is now known as the Old Pilton Glove Factory. 

This surgeon's tail coat is on display in our merchant gallery and belonged to Dr Simon Gage Britton. A highly successful physician, Britton started his education at 14 years old, qualifying as a surgeon in 1805. He was on board the Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar and it is believed that he was present as Lord Nelson lay dying after being fatally shot. Britton worked on various other ships until 1814 when he retired from the Navy. In 1831 on moving to Newport, Barnstaple the physician continued his profession in the Infirmary for 25 years.

Lastly among the extensive Shapland and Petter archives and furniture is this steam whistle. Shapland and Petter cabinet makers founded in 1854, produced furniture inspired by the arts and crafts movement. As Barnstaple's biggest employer of the 20th Century the museum has held the Shapland and Petter collection for many years. The Shapland Hooter powered by a steam boiler would signal the start, mid-day break and end of shift at the factory. The sound of the whistle was part of Barnstaple life for so long that schoolchildren knew they were late for class by it and generations of Barumites still remember the sound to this day!