Stories of Childhood

The objects on display here made us think of being at home as a child. What object or word brings a memory
of home to you? We often keep favourite or special objects from childhood which remind us of time spent at home.
A child’s chair, baby clothes or a carefully created piece of artwork.


Have you kept something and why did you choose it?

Workhouse Committee Book, 1901–1913

An open ledger from 1915-1916 displays handwritten entries in ink. The left page lists names and dates, while the right page contains notes on various actions taken, such as "Adjourned" and "Adopted." The ledger rests on a glass surface.

This book lists children who lived at the Gawber Road Workhouse, specifically those who were being boarded out (fostered) to families.

Little Laundry Maid Postcard, c.1905

A vintage illustration of a young girl in a makeshift dress stands near a brick fireplace. She holds white and pink cloths, with a basket of laundry on a wooden table beside her. Text at the top reads, "A LITTLE LAUNDRY-MAID.

Sentimental scenes with children were popular subjects for postcards. Theygive an impression of both innocence and nostalgia.

Hot Water Bottle, early 20th century

A ceramic hot water bottle with a cylindrical shape lies on its side. It has a brown, ridged cap on top and a grooved, brown stopper on the end. The main body is light beige with a smooth finish.

This one is stoneware (a ceramic) and was used to warm the bed before you got in and keep you cosy in dreamland.

‘Darling’ Figurine by Charles Vyse for Doulton, c.1910–1920

A porcelain figurine of a child with red hair, wearing a long blue nightgown. The child is in a shy pose, touching their mouth with one hand. The figurine stands on a square base against a neutral background.

A ceramic figure of a young, brown-haired child with its fingers in its mouth, dressed in a pale blue nightgown. The figure is entiteld 'Darling'. Vyse produced designs for Doulton in the 1920s which were very popular.

Child’s Chair, 1714

An antique wooden chair with ornate carvings on the backrest and armrests. It features a high back and turned legs, showcasing a rustic design. The wood has a dark finish, highlighting its vintage appearance.

They don’t make them like they used to! This sturdy little chair has the initials R S and the date 1714 carved
on it. It was donated by James Fraser, descendant of the Spencer Stanhope family who lived at Cannon Hall in Barnsley for generations. It’s likely it was made for a child of either the Spencer or Stanhope families. The two names were joined when Walter Stanhope inherited the estate from his uncle John Spencer in 1775.

Doll’s Bed, c.1930

A small wooden bed with a colorful, patchwork quilt lies under a glass case. On the quilt, there is a red basket containing a ball of blue yarn and a sewing needle packet. The quilt features floral patterns in pink, brown, and yellow tones.

Acquired by Mabel Bristow of Grimethorpe, shortly after the birth of her twins. The bed was used by her daughter Janet for her dolls, then passed down to generations of the family to play with.

Dolls and Accessories, c.1995

Vintage doll with curly blonde hair, wearing a floral dress and bonnet, sits with legs apart. It has blue eyes and rosy cheeks. In front of the doll is a small pink tray with a white candle.

Sisters Mary and Margaret Breedon of Wombwell made these items of doll’s furniture at a woodwork class in Hoyland. They also collected dolls and made their clothes and accessories.

Photograph, mid 20th century

 

A black-and-white vintage photo of a baby sitting in a wooden high chair, wearing plaid overalls and a white shirt. The baby is holding and eating a piece of bread, with a thoughtful expression. The background is blurred, focusing on the child.

Everyday moments can make the best memories. Even mealtimes can be a voyage of discovery. Photo gifted by J Stewart of Barnsley

Money Box, 1950s

Two vintage money boxes from the 1950s are displayed. One features a woman and a boy with the phrase "From saving comes having!" The other is a small book-like box labeled "Thrift must begin with little savings." A description card is included.

Elizabeth Whitehouse found this money box when clearing her mother’s house. It is disguised as a book with ‘Thrift must begin with little savings’ on the front.

Return to the virtual exhibition or explore more of the objects from the exhibition below.

Explore, Reminisce, Play!

Explore, Reminisce, Play!

Discover over one hundred years of growing up in Barnsley through toys, games, pictures and treasured memories. You’ll recognise some items on display, but others may be less familiar… We hope you enjoy exploring and we’d love it if you had some fun too! 

No Place Like Home

No Place Like Home

The objects on display here made us think of being at home as a child. What object or word brings a memory of home to you?

What Makes a Child's Day Special?

What Makes a Child's Day Special?

It could be a big celebration, but it doesn’t have to be. In this display, we’ve chosen some objects from festive days and one-off events, and others which marked a special time for just one child.

Toy Treasures and Board Game Battles

Toy Treasures and Board Game Battles

Most people can remember a favourite toy and some grown ups have kept at least one for sentimental reasons. Did you have one special toy for most of your childhood? Or did it change every now and then as you grew up?

Back To School

Back To School

What do you think of your education? Do you remember one person you learnt from or looked up to? We’ve included a number of objects here from different
schools and clubs across the borough – it’s impossible to fit them all in!

Kids Today!

Kids Today!

We are very grateful to children from Burton Road Primary School for taking part in our Contemporary Collecting Project. The group visited The Entertainer shop in the Alhambra Centre and each pupil chose a toy or game they liked for the Museum collection