The Museum of Ordinary Things

Museums the world over are full of everyday objects that tell a story.

At one time the Miner’s lamp was an ordinary thing, a tool for everyday use, now, they are museum artefacts. They have little monetary value but tell us something about how we used to live and who we are.

In our Museum of Ordinary things we invite people to bring their ‘ordinary thing’ and share its unique story.

Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom, a quirky gadget from your childhood, or a tool that has seen years of use, we want to hear about it!

Part of People Make Alnwick in partnership with Dovecote Street Arts

Nit Comb

Louise Dawson Clean your hair otherwise people will stare at you Scratching your head until it is bright red To get rid of the lice you needed soap that didn’t smell nice And a comb that hurt like hell Which made you shout ...
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Silver War Badge

Gary Harper This badge belonged to Corporal J Brown of the Lancashire Fusiliers. Discharged by the King’s regulations in 1917. The main purpose of the badge was to prevent men not in uniform and without an apparent disability being thought of as shirkers and ...
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Money Clip

Maurice Ward This money clip was used instead of a leather bum bag whilst travelling in Thailand in 1977. I fell asleep on a bus and all the newspaper in my bumbag was stolen – the money was safe in the clip....
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Pocket Screwdriver

Claire Ward This pocket screwdriver belonged to a very dear friend. It lived in his pocket and before that, his father's. He used to enjoy touching it and making the direct connection to his father – as well as using it as a tool. I ...
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Black Rubber found on the way to the Museum of Ordinary Things

Nevill Wilson I am an obsessive compulsive picker upper of ordinary objects and also an obsessive compulsive printmaker, hence the print of Ordinary Stuff. I picked up the bit of black rubber on the way here....
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Rolling Pin Late 1800’s

Rachel Gray This belonged to my great grandmother who came from Fife. She was a mother of five who lived on a smallholding where her husband ran a milk round from his cart. It was handed down to my grandmother, then my mother, and ...
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Grandma’s Bread Board

Lynda Wearn This was my grandmother’s bread board. As I child I spent a lot of time with her, even more so after my granddad died. I’ve used this all of my life, and it always reminds me of her. She taught ...
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Wooden Horse

Cathy Greenhalgh This is a wooden horse toy which used to be pulled on a string by me, when I was 2 and living in Lancashire. Made by my granddad Dan Greenhalgh, who also built me and my brother and sister a Wendy house. He ...
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Oil Lamp 1890’s

Michelle Duff This was given to my Great Grandmother in around 1910-15 as a thank you gift from a traveller family after she paid for medicine for her sick daughter. The girl was very sick and they had no money for treatment. The girl ...
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Flowery Tray 1973

Mary George This fibre glass tray was an engagement present from my best friend in 1973. It was already old fashioned, as it really is 1960s in design. It has been in constant use every day since, 52 years so far....
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My Nan’s Stool

My grandmother was very poor. My grandad had been paralysed by a horse kick, so the few items of furniture they possessed were precious to them. This stool has one wonky leg and is about 150 years old. I use it for decorating - as ...
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Picnic Bag 2022

Jane Dixon My big sister Sarah bought me this shopping bag with my name on the bottom. I can’t zip it back up, but it makes me laugh because it is so awful....
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Knickerbocker Glory Glass 2014

Jane Dixon This knickerbocker glory glass cheers me up every time I have jelly and custard in it....
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CPR Facemask 2010

Jane Dixon This CPR Facemask is in my rucksack every day just in case I need to give mouth to mouth. As a former Coastguard I am ready for any emergency...
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Pitman Shorthand Books 1893

Jacqui Wicks These books were handed through my family to my granddad, so that he could learn pitman shorthand and become a reporter, later a newspaper editor. They’re a big part of my family history but also illustrate a dying language. ...
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