New exhibition traces origins of Rugby's social history collection

Collecting Rugby, part of Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's 25th anniversary programme, traces the collection from its humble beginnings at Rugby Library in the 1890s to the present day, where it now houses thousands of items with links to the borough's past.

Originally an ad hoc collection of artefacts started by staff at the town's library, the social history collection started in earnest when Rugby Art Gallery and Museum first opened its doors in 2000, with residents and borough businesses donating the vast majority of items.

Collecting Rugby features a selection of artefacts collected in the late 19th century, including a brass firefighter helmet, a farmer's smock and a children's doll manufactured in 1850.

Historic objects donated to the collection over the past 25 years also feature in the exhibition, exploring the themes of personal life, working life, domestic life and community life.

A railway whistle and a sign from the British Thomson-Houston works represent Rugby's industrial growth in the 19th century, while a Foxley pocket watch manufactured in the town and a bracelet worn at the borough's celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 capture a snapshot of everyday life.

A needlework basket from 1880 and a tea box made by Rugby company Lavender and Harrison give a glimpse of life behind closed doors, while a cup and saucer from the Long Lawford Women's Institute and a Rugby Cycling Club badge celebrate the borough's thriving community of clubs and organisations.

In addition to the treasure trove of objects on display, Collecting Rugby also celebrates Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's 25th anniversary, with the drawings for the venue's original archaeology gallery, featuring the collection of artefacts from Tripontium, and social history space when it first opened in 2000 included in the exhibition.

Catherine Shanahan, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior collections officer, said: "The social history collection includes thousands of fascinating objects, some symbolic of significant chapters in the borough's history while others reflect on the everyday lives of residents through the decades.

"Each item has a story to tell and Collecting Rugby celebrates the story of the collection itself as we celebrate the Art Gallery and Museum's 25th anniversary."

Collecting Rugby opens at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's local history gallery on Wednesday 9 April and runs until Saturday 4 October.

For more information about Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's 25th anniversary programme of exhibitions and events, visit www.ragm.co.uk