The Powysland Museum in Welshpool has delved into its stores to create a fascinating temporary exhibition from objects relating to births, deaths and marriages.
The exhibition, which runs until February 28, includes artefacts, photographs and ephemera associated with these milestones in people’s lives and shows how they are celebrated or commemorated.
The items span from the mid-19th century to the late 20th century, covering 150 years and the reigns of six monarchs whose special milestones are remembered with items from the museum’s royal collection.
“The objects on display represent ordinary people and, in many cases, local residents, who themselves or whose descendants have donated the items to the museum,” explained curator Eva Bredsdorff. “Some are very personal artefacts, such as christening gowns, wedding photographs and mourning cards, which relate to specific individuals and families.
“It is hoped that the artefacts will inspire visitors to consider similar items in their own homes and to remember family occasions. Maybe even stimulate inter-generational chats and discussions.”
Like most local museums, the Powysland has several artefacts which are kept in store. This may be because they are too vulnerable to display, other better examples are already exhibited or, in many cases, they do not fit in with the various themes within the permanent galleries.
For such items, the museum deploys its temporary exhibition programme to bring them out of store and show them to the public.
The museum is open weekdays, except Wednesday, from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm and Saturday from 11am to 2pm