Explore the London Borough of Sutton’s Museums and Heritage Collections and learn more about the interesting objects on display and in storage.
Today’s article focuses on two notable figures – William Gilpin (1724-1804), a famed art critic and headteacher at Cheam School from 1752 to 1777, and Dr. Syntax, a fictional satirical character said to have been inspired by him.
We recently invited people from all diverse backgrounds, living and working in Sutton, to help us develop our Museum and Archives collections by contributing with images and words about objects that connect to their heritage. In her contribution, Kelly shared images of her intricate kajal (eyeliner) holder, alongside a childhood photograph from a trip to… Continue reading object_ive: A kajal holder, from India
What one object or thing represents something meaningful or important to you about your heritage? The objects and things that surround us are often connected to stories, experiences, memories and moments of change within our lives. Even though we sometimes take them for granted, the objects we keep express our identities and heritage. In October,… Continue reading object_ive: Share your heritage
Black History Month (BHM) was first launched in London in the 1980s, to inspire local communities to challenge racism and educate themselves and others about the British history that was not being taught in schools. To mark the start of Black History Month this year, we launched a new project, The Locals: object_ive. For this… Continue reading Making connections
What do you think this object is? That is the question that we asked members of Sutton Mencap who came to take part in the first of a series of Mystery Object sessions. As the mould was passed around the group, participants got to hold the object and feel the strange ridges and bumps of… Continue reading Object of the Month: May 2019
LDSCL: S.066 Hens, Sutton (date unknown), drypoint print by Horace Mann Livens With a late Easter just round the corner, the aim this month was to share something from the collection related to Spring or Easter. But, chocolate, chicks, spring flowers and all things bunny like, failed to jump out at us on this occasion! We… Continue reading Object of the Month: April 2019
LDSCL: 2015.10.2 Late 19th century black mourning hat with a velvet ribbon, chiffon and black glass beads During the Victorian period it was customary for families to commemorate their dead through elaborate rituals, expensive funerals and monuments for the deceased. Those who could afford it were expected to wear mourning dress when a family member passed… Continue reading Object of the Month: March 2019
LDSCL : 2004.48.165 Sheet music: ‘Maire my Girl (Irish love-song)’ LDSCL : 2004.48.171 Sheet music: ‘A Lover in Damascus – a set of six songs’ With Valentine love in the air, our objects this month help tell a small part of a very special love story – two sets of sheet music, both for… Continue reading Object of the Month: February 2019
New Year Dance at Cheam Baths, photograph, 31 December 1949 Image courtesy of Sutton Archives On the evening of 31st December 1949 Cheam Baths on Malden Road was full to… Continue reading Object of the Month: January
First World War: Postcards from the FRONT These postcards were found in a house in Coulsdon during a clearance in 2006. The cards were found with other photographs and papers folded inside a programme for the 1937 coronation. Eleven of the cards were sent by Sergeant John Mathew; one was sent to him. The owner… Continue reading Object of the Month: December
Whitehall Historic House 