Wiltshire’s story in 100 Objects

This wonderful touring exhibition inspired by Wiltshire Museums tells the story of Wiltshire in 100 objects. Supported by the Arts Council England and managed by Wiltshire Museum, the project showcases the varied nature of objects held throughout Swindon and Wiltshire by its museums. These museums range from military collections, industrial sites, art galleries, heritage centres and small village museums as well as national collections.

The 100 objects are diverse and each gives an insight into the rich history of Wiltshire.

There are objects from Swindon’s GWR works, works of art by Swindon artists and from Swindon’s important collection of Modern British Art.

There will also be objects associated with iconic places such as Stonehenge and Avebury and famous people such as the photographer, Fox Talbot and the authors, William Golding and Richard Jefferies. There are objects celebrating the success of Wiltshire businesses and people, for example the medals awarded to Harris Company Ltd of Calne at the World Fairs in Paris in 1889 and 1900, the gold medal presented to John Britton by Frederick William IV of Prussia and the certificate awarded to Cricklade Station staff in the 1950s. Some objects represent the everyday lives of Wiltshire people in the past for instance the smock belonging Bill Standerwick, a dairy farmer from Mere and also from Mere; the receipt for nursing services in the days before the National Health Service while others tell difficult stories such as the copy of the last letter of Thomas Hilliker, hanged for arson in 1803 and the diary from a German Prisoner of War held in Devizes from 1944-1946.