Exhibition revives memories of bygone days

Jan 10 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A VICTORIAN mangle is among the domestic appliances on show at a new museum exhibition.

Colne Valley Museum reopens for the new year on Saturday with an exhibition of items more than a century old.

They include washing instruments, baking equipment and other household odds and ends.

Sheila Osborne, who plays the character of Aunt Lizzy at the museum for school visits, said: “People who come to visit don’t often get the chance to browse through my cupboards and drawers.

“Nothing’s changed here since Queen Victoria passed away but I’ve dusted and polished everything.”

The mangle was restored by museum volunteers Barry Newbould and Ian Lodge. It has a coat of arms depicting sea horses.

Mr Newbould said: “I have searched for the details of the coat of arms and not succeeded.

“This could mean the pattern maker was having a little joke when producing the casting in order to make the mangle appear rather grand.”

The museum wants to hear from anyone with information about the emblem.

The exhibition is open 2-5pm on Sunday and Saturday afternoons until February 24.