Ryedale Folk Museum

As it is the month of Valentines we thought we would share with you some of the love themed objects from our Harrison Collection. Pin Cushion - 1830s A layered pin cushion, patterned with rose, shamrock and thistle designs. It also has the words “May God Protect, Thy Mother Dear, And Thou Sweet Babe, Art Welcome Here”. It was custom to put together a layette (a set of clothes and gifts for a newborn baby) with gifts like decorated pin cushions with patterns and verses. Stay Busk - 1810s Made of scrimshore or whale bone. This stay busk has the drawing of a lady on a horse and a peeping tom; with an eye on top and the words ‘love to the’ heart. These were carved by young men for girls as a love token. This one is believed to have been made by a sailor for his girlfriend. The stay busks or corset stay would be inserted in to the corset to give support . Love Spoon - Mid 19th Century A Welsh love spoon with carved motives of the heart, tears (to represent the soul,) and circles. Parent...

This last weekend we had the 'No Name' re-enactors demonstrating onsite. The group demonstrated different crafts and told stories of how people lived from Iron age up to Medieval times. This included wood turning on a pole lathe, weapon and tool making, story telling, weaving and net making.  We also had re-enactors occupying our Iron Age Roundhouse!   We welcome the group back over August Bank Holiday weekend.

The final part of Edward Harrison's demonstration of Fire making equipment and objects from the collection. This video looks at the fascinating variety of matches which were available in the early years of the invention, the unusual and rare Dobbereiner Lamp, and some amusing novelty match holders. C.Gough

Further fascinating objects relating to fire making from the Harrison Collection. Narrated by Edward Harrison, this video looks at some unusual fire making implements as well as the simple yet beautiful fire glass. C.Gough

Once again Edward Harrison was kind enough to talk me through some of the huge Harrison Collection. One of Edwards favourite subjects within the collection is fire-lighting. The collection contains a huge array of ingenious devices to light fire. Fantastic inventions as well as basic essential devices such as the tinder box. See the video below for a brief look at just some of the objects. C.Gough