Museum launches adopt an object scheme to raise funds

Derby Museums is giving people the chance to adopt a piece of history and help raise funds to support its family activities.

Adopt an Object gives people the chance to have their own special link with an object of the past.

Over 30 objects can be adopted, which are on display on the staircase wall of the Civic Hall in the Museum of Making.

Each object is available to adopt across different price ranges, starting at £30, and can be adopted by a number of different people.

All adopters receive a digital image of their object, digital certificate, and recognition of the adoption featured alongside the object on the Derby Museums from Home microsite.

All money raised will go towards funding family activities across museums in the city.

Among the objects available for adoption is an unusual salt glaze stoneware puzzle jug, which was designed to present the drinker with a puzzle as to how to pour the contents without spilling anything.

Other items include everything from a flat iron to a Derby porcelain poodle.

Among the first people to adopt an object is TV auctioneer Charles Hanson, who has chosen to adopt a Derbyshire Blue John fluorite paperweight with a gilded 1826 shilling.

Charles said: “From object creation to provenance, the journey for a work of art goes on and I am delighted to adopt an object in the Museum of Making.

“The museum captures the essence of Derby and our passion for being hands on with history and I am proud to be a small part of it.”

Sally Hawley, head of collections at Derby Museums, said: “Support from adoptees will help us to keep making history and inspire the makers of the future.

“Whether you’re adopting an object for yourself, as a gift or tribute to a loved one, this is a fantastic opportunity to receive something unique in return for your support.

“Adopting an object is the perfect gift for the history-lovers in your life.

“Whether you are looking for an unusual birthday or Christmas present or a literally historic gift there should be something to suit most tastes.

“Adopters will be supporting local heritage and helping Derby Museums to care for the unique artefacts in our collection.”

For more information about Adopt an Object please click here.