Cherished childhood stories are being retold to visitors thanks to a nostalgic new exhibition at axe-threatened Abbey House Museum.
The Story Time exhibition features a huge variety of historic books and games, each exploring the magical world of children’s stories.
With objects spanning hundreds of years of captivating tales, the exhibition aims to look at how reading, learning and enjoying stories has changed through the ages, and the huge influence children’s books have had on young people’s education, play and imaginations.
Among the many objects on display is a collection of children’s books and reading primers from the early 1800s. Believed to be among some of the earliest books to ever be published specifically for children, the focus of the writers was to get across a strong moral message rather than create a fun story.
Examples include The Mice and their Picnic – A Moral Tale, published in around 1809. Books of classic bedtime stories and fairytales from the 1920s and 1930s also feature, and include timeless characters such as Red Riding Hood, Mother Goose and Cinderella.
Vintage games and jigsaws made by Leeds firm Waddingtons are also on display, including some of the original artwork for the firm’s iconic circular jigsaws from the 1960s, which were rescued from a bin by a former company employee.
And beautiful Victorian dolls houses are displayed alongside modern classic toys based on characters and TV shows like Pinky and Perky, Stingray, Bugs Bunny, She-Ra, The Wombles, The Shoe People and The Teletubbies.
Kitty Ross, Leeds Museums and Galleries curator of social history, who has been bringing the exhibition together, said: “Storytelling, play and reading are truly timeless elements of our childhoods which span every generation and are such an integral part of our early years.
“What is fascinating is how our approach to these subjects has changed and evolved over time and how our enduring love of stories has been a driving force behind the creation of so many different genres of books, games, toys and entertainment.
“Seeing all of these objects on display together really showcases the remarkable variety of storytelling across the centuries and will hopefully bring back some special memories for visitors too.”
Story Time is open now at Abbey House Museum. More information, including opening times and admission, here.
Cash-strapped Leeds City Council has been consulting on the potential closure of Abbey House Museum in Kirkstall.
A council spokesperson said: “No final decision has been reached and the museum will remain open to visitors throughout the consultation process.”
A decision is due on the future of the Grade II Listed museum on February 12.
A public meeting to discuss its future will be held on Sunday, 9 February 11am-12pm, at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust, St Stephen’s Church Hall. More details here.
- Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of Abbey House Museum here.
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