Cabinet of Curiosity – Horsham Museum’s latest exhibition

Visitors to Horsham Museum & Art Gallery will have seen the fascinating Cabinet of Curiosity on the first floor.

It’s full of curious objects, such as a dessicated cat, a skull and other artefacts from the archive.

The Museum has now pulled together a whole group of similar objects for the latest exhibition – Cabinet of Curiosity – Museums Past, Present & Future.

It’s the work of Museum Curator Nikki Caxton and Visitor Services Officer Jess Reeves.

The exhibition explores the origins of museums, why people collect things and what can museums do to authentically represent the world and the communities that they serve.

Visitors will be able to see unusual and rarely seen items from the museum’s collection, including the patented nature printing of Thomas Honywood, a taxidermied piglet and jewellery made from human hair!

Curator Nikki has added an object from her own collection and includes a personal recollection from her past.

It’s part of the Community Collection which was open to the public to submit artefacts that hold personal memories.

As part of the exhibition, Horsham Museum is looking for more community items. They do not need to be grand or important, perhaps their value is only evident to yourself. The display will remain live throughout the exhibition’s duration (until May 9) so it’s hoped to be able to add more items to the display.

How about your own Cabinet of Curiosity? Many of us have knick-knacks at home, possibly grouped together on a shelf or maybe a cabinet.

The Museum would be interested in a photo of these as well. There will be various social media posts on the subject, so look out for the call for photos and add them in the comments section or you can send us pictures using the hashtag #HorshamMuseum

The exhibition has been supported by the Friends of Horsham Museum & Art Gallery

Cabinets of Curiosity originated in the 16th century in Europe. They belonged to, and were only viewed by, the wealthy who used these places to show off their riches, but also as opportunities for inspiration and exploration of concepts and ideas.

Everyday people were not able to form their own collections as they did not have enough wealth to buy anything in excess – an essential component for collecting.

Cabinets were filled with things that helped people to understand their place in the universe.