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

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

Sentimental scenes with children were popular subjects for postcards. Theygive an impression of both innocence and nostalgia.
Hot Water Bottle, early 20th century

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 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

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

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

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
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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

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!
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
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?
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
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
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!
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