Horsham Museum’s new-look Adopt an Artefact

As promised earlier in the year, we have now refreshed the artefacts that are available for adoption in the museum.

The new artefacts that we have selected will hopefully appeal to a more widespread audience with examples of artwork, costume and toys all included.

Portrait of Lord and Lady Eversfield – this portrait is in the main stairwell and is of Charles Eversfield and his first wife Mary. Charles Eversfield was Horsham MP for 36 years from age 21 during the period of the Rotten Boroughs.  The portrait was bought by Horsham Museum Society in 1948.

Push along dog – made by the British Toy Company, Lines Brothers Ltd in the early 20^th century. I must admit that this is one of my favourites, despite being a ‘cat person’.

Wedding boots – typical Victorian wedding boots made around 1880 of white silk and calfskin with nine pearl button fasteners.

Jolly Sausage sign – part of the museum’s collection since 1984 when it was found in shop premises whilst moving.  Local legend says that the sign is covered in dents and scratches because troops stationed in Horsham during the second world war used it for target practice due to its resemblance to a swastika!

Magic Lantern – a popular Victorian device to illuminate pictures in a sequential order to give the impression of moving pictures.  We also have a selection of the slides used.

Goat Cart – a 1904 cart for pulling children along by a goat.

For more information and the full stories for these artefacts please visit our website’s Adopt An Object page.

This does mean that we have had to retire a few of our current choices, those being the Corn Dollies, Town Centre Model, Willoth the Dragon, Dog of Fo, Suit of Armour and the Horshamosaurus Dinosaur bones.

Don’t forget, the cost of adoption is just £15 a year for adults and £5 for children. Our application form can be downloaded from our website.

Pam French