“Objects, People and Perspective”
13th May 2026
A curated display by staff and volunteers in the Oak Room at Cannon Hall Museum
Staff and volunteers were invited to select their favourite objects from the collections and describe how these objects connect to their roles as well as share their personal experiences of the site.
Curating the display offered a valuable opportunity—particularly for volunteers—to engage with the collections, learn how a display is developed, and write their own object labels in their own voices. This process created a sense of ownership enabling volunteers to proudly show off their creation with visitors. Additional selected objects can also be found in other areas of the museum for examples the 1930s tile attributed to Bernard Leach, figure of a bird by Kaj Franck for Notsjö Glassworks and a Bohemian glass jar and cover.
“I chose a beautiful early 20th Century Breda Ware bowl in jewel-like colours made in the Netherlands and retailed by Liberty of London as well as a 1930s vase by Charlotte Rhead of Crown Ducal. It was a real struggle for volunteers to settle on just one or two items for the display as we have so many favourites throughout the museum. The display can be found in the Oak Room located on the ground floor at Cannon Hall Museum and is well worth a look. It’s fascinating to see the objects and read why each has been chosen and how they resonate with the staff and volunteers.” Clare, Cannon Hall Museum volunteer
“I chose this object because, considering the period in which it was produced, it appears remarkably out of place, even to our modern eyes, never mind keeping on par with dainty Victorian ornamental embellishment. This is its most wonderful delight and merit.” The object also has resonance with the subjective peculiarity of my volunteering journey. For, much like a once odd lone fish dropped into a brand-new aquarium, I too have now a place among others, with their likewise rich otherness. Each exhibit has its own tale.” David, volunteer.
“It is fascinating how suspicion shaped everyday life in past centuries. The belief that counting the beads drained a witch’s energy, thus exposing a witch and preventing harm is difficult to comprehend in modern times” Rachel, Volunteer and Trustee of Barnsley Museums & Heritage Trust
“I’ve made it into an exhibition! This lovely collection of objects was chosen by volunteers, they use them to describe how they connect to their role and personal experiences of Cannon Hall and their volunteering. Many years ago, when I moved to Barnsley I did some volunteering with Barnsley Archives, I didn’t know at the time I would eventually lead volunteering in the same organisation but that is the journey you can go on. A phrase being used at work is ‘plant trees you will never see grown,’ and this did feel like a full circle moment when I saw the exhibition and all the volunteer comments.” Ben, Volunteer & Project Manager
This display would not have been possible without the support of Melissa Gallimore (Freelance Curator). We would also like to thank Michael Hardy, Digital Engagement Curator, for helping to publicise the selected favourite objects on social media.
Finally, Cannon Hall Museum is often referred to in the display simply as “the hall,” “the museum,” or “Cannon,” reflecting the different ways people perceive and connect with this wonderful place.
What do you think of Cannon Hall Museum?
Is there an object that catches your attention?
You can see these lovely objects on display till 17 May. If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Cannon Hall Museum, come and speak to our volunteers on site. We are open from Thursdays to Sundays during Barnsley school term time and every day during Barnsley school holidays. Our lovely volunteers will be more than happy to have a chat about their volunteering experience at Cannon Hall Museum. Alternatively, you can email Museum Volunteering museumvolunteering@barnsley.gov.uk.
Sheauran Tan, Cannon Hall Museum Volunteer Coordinator (Freelancer)
