Secret History: the Ballot, the Borough and Britain

Friday 13 November, 12.30 – 1.30
Nelson Room, Pontefract Town Hall.

A rare opportunity to examine the impact of secret voting in Britain. Join one of Britain’s most important parliamentary experts,   David Natzler, Clerk of the House of Commons, and curators from Pontefract Museum to explore the seismic change to Britain’s democratic system caused by Britain’s first secret ballot in Pontefract in 1872.

 

The ballot box used in 1872

 

Tickets are free, but must be booked by calling 01924 302700,  emailing or collecting a ticket from Pontefract Museum.

The ballot box

Pontefract was centre stage on the 15 August 1872 when the first secret ballot in the Northern Hemisphere was held to elect a member of Parliament.

This was the first time that people had voted in secret by placing an ‘X’ on a ballot paper next to the name of their choice – the system that we now take for granted.

One of the boxes used to hold the ballot papers is now on display in Pontefract Museum. It is still marked with the wax seals used to ensure the votes were not tampered with once the box was closed.

The seal was made using a liquorice stamp from Frank Dunhill’s factory, which shows the image of a castle and an owl. The owl was the emblem of the Savile family who were local landowners. The castle is similar to the design that is still seen on Pontefract cakes today. For many years Pontefract cakes were given their distinctive design by hand using just this sort of stamp.

 

Pontefract has held a charter since 1484 so it is odd that the box was not sealed using an official stamp. Perhaps it was a sign that the local officials did not think much of this new system of voting. Or maybe they just used what first came to hand, which in a town so involved in the liquorice industry, was this stamp.

Frank Dunhill may have been a presiding officer overseeing the ballot. One of his roles would have been to check that the box was empty before voting began – to prove that there were no voting papers already in the box. He could then have used his stamp to seal the box ready for use.

The votes were counted and the results announced at the Town Hall in Pontefract, where H.C. Childers was elected MP for the town.

The Times newspaper of the following day reported that

‘The first election under the Ballot Act has been throughout peaceful. Persons of great experience declare that they never saw a contested election in which less intoxicating liquor was drunk. No charges of bribery are rife, and the election appears to have been fought on both sides on principles of purity’.

This was a great change from earlier elections, which had often been riotous and uncontrolled affairs, with people voting openly rather than in secret. At the time there were even complaints that this new system took ‘all the life’ out of voting. This first ballot was however seen as a success and set the standard that we still use worldwide today.

The ballot box has recently been 'on tour' to parliament as part of the Festival of Freedoms, and can now be seen at Pontefract Museum.

 

Make a date at the Museum

Wakefield Museums have a fun, hands on approach to learning about the area’s heritage and everyone’s invited.

You’ll find all manner of exciting exhibitions and experiences on offer, whether its family fun in the school holidays, messy crafts and activities for the little ones, or artist and historian led workshops just for the grown-ups, Wakefield Museums have it all. Meet at the museums and fill your social calendar with some dates with a difference.

Play Date

Wakefield’s Museums are the perfect place to arrange a play date. With lots of fun hands-on activities and opportunities to get creative and a little bit messy, the kids will find plenty to keep them entertained. At Castleford Museum children can dress up as a Roman soldier, follow the museum trail, have a pretend tea party or try miner’s clogs on for size. At Wakefield Museum try on a 1950s dress or a Victorian Wedding dress and cook up a feast in the child sized 1950s kitchen. Pontefract Museum offers a sweet treat with a colourful display telling the story behind the town’s historic link with liquorice. Learn about the famous Pontefract cake and see some of the brightly colourful packaging from across the years, see if you can spot your favourite.

Lunch Date

If you are meeting a friend for a catch up, why not have a wander around Wakefield Museum before popping into Create café for a delicious lunch, or a cup of coffee and a cake. At the museum you can visit the extraordinary world of Charles Waterton, a Victorian explorer who created one of the world’s first nature reserves. If you’re feeling brave enough, step onto the glass floor above the giant Caiman, one of Waterton’s most fearsome finds from South America. Uncover stories about Wakefield’s history from the early days of the Vikings, through the hardship of war and the various industries that have helped the city to prosper through the ages.

 A date with history

Pontefract Museum has many stories waiting to be discovered. Explore the heritage of Pontefract and the people who have lived, worked and played there. From the turbulent history of one of the North’s most important castles and the part it played in the British Civil Wars to the industries of glass making, coal mining and, liquorice. At Castleford Museum learn all about the rich and diverse history of the town which was once thought to have been an important Roman settlement. Try your hand at an interesting craft activity or find inspiration among some of the captivating displays. See the Ferry Fryston Iron Age Chariot, the only complete chariot burial on display in England and imagine what life was like in Bronze Age Castleford and how the town changed when the Romans came to power.

Fall in love

For all you romantics, meet your true love for a date with a difference at one of the museums. Love is definitely in the air at Wakefield Museum, displays include wedding dresses through the ages and the Sandal Castle posy ring. Don’t miss the rare opportunity to see the precious ring collection on loan from the Victoria & Albert Museum until 25 June. Fall in love with the cosy atmosphere at Pontefract Museum, the beautiful art nouveau building built in 1904 retains many of its original features, from intricate door handles to a stunning tiled entrance and staircase. Discover a treasure trove of hidden gems and historic finds amid the warm welcoming atmosphere of the museum.

Find out more about some of the unique events, exhibitions and experiences on offer at Wakefield Museums visit www.expereriencewakefield.co.uk/museums or keep an eye out on this blog.

Dare we mention Christmas yet?

Catch the Light this Christmas!

As much as it feels wrong mentioning Christmas in October, we have a really exciting workshop being held in Wakefield Museum on 14th November, which is bound to get you into the spirit!

The perfect handmade gift for friends and family. Personalised tuition to create up to 5 beautiful light catchers with a range of colours to suit every taste, inspired by the stained glass in the museum collection.

Fused glass light catchers - design and make your own!

Learn how to cut the glass and work with it to create depth and intrigue. You’ll have bespoke gifts suitable for indoors or outdoors which catch the light and the admiration of everyone you know!

Saturday 14^th November 10-1pm  
Wakefield Museum Learning Zone, Wakefield One, Burton Street, Wakefield. 
Ages 18+
£50 per head includes all materials to make up to 5 pieces.

Booking is essential as numbers are limited to 8 participants. Click here to follow a link to online payments

Visit the Adult Workshops page to see the full listings!  

We have just two places left now on the wonderful paper bird making workshop with Andy Singleton on Wednesday 11th November - a free workshop as part of the Nightingale Festival - so book quickly to reserve your place on 01924 302700 or or email!

Day of the Dead at Castleford Museum

In the past, people have buried their loved ones with an amazing array of meaningful objects. 

Castleford Museum displays some of these locally buried treasures, from Bronze Age axe heads to the incredible Iron Age Chariot (yes, a whole chariot was buried!) showing evidence of how past people have celebrated their dead.

We have taken this celebration as inspiration for a Day of the Dead themed event at the museum on Saturday 31st October.

The Mexican Day of the Dead is a festival which focuses on the tradition that on one day a year, the spirits of dead people are allowed to come back and party with their friends and family!  It isn't supposed to be scary, but is a happy festival!

The festival involves dressing up and face-painting, lots of colour, marigold flowers and skulls!  

So pop into Castleford Museum - and be prepared for lots of skulls!

New Adult Programme Launched!

We are pleased to announce our new adult offer - including talks from TV and Radio personalities, creative artist-led workshops and curator-talks

The Extraordinary Life of Charles Waterton – with John Welding

Wednesday 28 October

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

From 6pm

Adult session – ages 18+

See the exhibition - meet the artist!
Meet local artist, John Welding for a special insight into how the Young Waterton comic strip was made. See close-up examples of the materials and working processes used (Scripting, Layouts, Inking, Colouring and Lettering), and get tips from an expert!

FREE, but booking essential on 01924 302700 or email as places are limited.

Nightingales – Paper bird workshop – with Andy Singleton

Wednesday 11 November

Photo by Nick Singleton

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

From 6pm

Adult session – ages 18+

Have you seen the beautiful paper birds on display in the atrium in Wakefield One? Meet artist Andy Singleton and get hands-on instruction to make your own paper bird!

FREE, but booking essential on 01924 302700 or or email as places are limited.

Fused Glass Coasters for Christmas - with Claire Lake

Saturday 14 November

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

10am to 4pm

Adult session – ages 18+

£100 per head – including light refreshments (Lunch not provided, but there is a café on site)

Make your own beautiful kiln fused glass 4 coaster set to enhance your decor or the perfect personalised gift in time for Christmas.

A maximum of 8 places are available to ensure personalised tuition throughout the session.

Bookings with full payment must be made in advance.  Click here to follow a link to online payments

Potwallopers and Plumpers - Britain's first secret ballot in Pontefract

Tuesday 17 November

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

12noon to 1pm

Adult session 

Pontefract was centre stage in August 1872 when the first secret ballot in Britain was used to elect a Member of Parliament, allowing people to vote in secret by placing an ‘X’ on a ballot paper next to the name of their choice.

The box is still marked with the seals used to ensure the votes were not tampered with. The seal was made with a liquorice stamp, used to make Pontefract cakes from a local liquorice factory.

David Evans and John Whitaker, Curators at Pontefract & Castleford Museums and Wakefield Museum, have recently taken the box to Westminster and talked about it there. This is is the talk they gave recently in Parliament highlighting its significance in the history of British democracy.

FREE, but booking essential on 01924 302700 or email as places are limited.

The Rationing Diet - with Dr Annie Gray

Wednesday 18 November

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

From 6pm

Adult session – ages 18+

Meet TV and Radio Food Historian, Dr Annie Gray for this fascinating talk about wartime rationing foods – and with tasting samples!

FREE, but booking essential on 01924 302700 or email as places are limited.

Create a Hand Bound Sketchbook - with Timid Elk

Saturday 12 December

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

10am to 4pm

Adult session – ages 18+

£15 per head – including light refreshments (Lunch not provided, but there is a café on site)

Learn the technique of hand binding to create an individual sketchbook. Decorate your sketchbook by taking inspiration and utilising a selection of Ordinance Survey maps.

Bookings with full payment must be made in advance.  Click here to follow a link to online payments

Ring making workshop

Wednesday 27 January

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

From 6pm

Adult session – ages 18+

£32 per head – including light refreshments

Inspired by ‘Precious’ our exhibition of rings from the V&A, design and make your own statement rings using glass beads, Swarovski crystals and pearls. You’ll create stylish and fun jewellery that can accessorise any outfit.

Bookings with full payment must be made in advance.  Click here to follow a link to online payments

Textured Wall-hanging – with Ruth Singer

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

6pm to 8.30pm

Adult session – ages 18+

£10 per head – including light refreshments

Make a mini textile hanging inspired but the colours, textures, plants and wildlife of the rainforest with textile artist, Ruth Singer.

Bookings with full payment must be made in advance.  Click here to follow a link to online payments

Sugar and Spice – Tudor to Georgian Sugarcraft – with Ivan Day

Saturday 27 February 2016

Wakefield Museum Learning Zone

From 10am to 4pm

Adult session – ages 18+

£50 per head – including lunch

A hands-on workshop of early cold sugar work, led by food historian Ivan Day, using real period moulds. Try your hand at Tudor to Georgian sugarpaste work to make moulded sweetmeats.

Bookings with full payment must be made in advance.  Click here to follow a link to online payments

Meet the Curator

Bring in your objects for advice on their care and research
Wakefield Museum - First Thursday of every month 2-4pm                    
Pontefract Museum - Second Wednesday of every month 10am  to 12 noon
Castleford Museum - Third Thursday of every month 10am to 12 noon

Castleford Adult Mornings

First Monday of the month (term time only)

Castleford Museum

11am – 12noon

FREE

Adults, you can join in too!  Pop into the museum for the chance to try a new craft and make new friends!

No need to book

Download our new Events and Exhibitions leaflet here:

The Extraordinary Life of Charles Waterton - Comic Exhibition Launch

A special event is being held at Wakefield Museum
Wednesday 30 September 5pm to 7.30pm

To celebrate the launch of our new comic exhibition - The Extraordinary Life of Charles Waterton - we are very excited to announce that artists John Welding, Staz Johnson and Richard Bell will be in the museum, along with John Whitaker, the museum curator and writer of the Victorian adventurer comic.

The Victorian adventurer who captured a caiman crocodile by riding on its back - the perfect action comic hero!

Charles Waterton was famed for his interest in nature, and travelled widely collecting specimens before setting up the world's first nature reserve at Waterton Hall, near Wakefield. 

For more information about how the comic has been produced, see this earlier blog post.Wakefield Museum has an extensive collection of Waterton artefacts - including a giant Cayman which is exhibited in Wakefield Library and his diaries which detail his travel experiences and his life.

Waterton is well-known for his 'creations' - his taxidermy inventions of grotesques. 

To celebrate this aspect of Charles Waterton, we are also delighted to host - for one night only - the amazing Palace of Curiosities - a Victorian Travelling Sideshow with objects including a mermaid and a unicorn's horn!

In their own words:
Every now and then we find someone from history whose life really needs celebrating - Take Charles Waterton a Victorian man who created taxidermy of stuffed animals and presented them as political cartoon satire - The Palace of Curiosities is proud to announce we will be exhibiting at Wakefield Museum to honour this mans life and achievements on 30th September 2015 - 5pm-7.30pm as part of Wakefield's "The Art Walk".

The professor with his mermaid

Dirigibles and Tea!

'Come, ride in my dirigible and we shall talk of tea.'  

The fashion for tea has been replenished by the steampunk genre and its delight in 'tea duelling'.  Steampunk’s heady mix of high fashion blends cultures, infusing the modern with old style technology.   It is steeped in  a literacy which would have delighted the diarist Samuel Pepys who wrote on this day in 1660:

‘To the office, where Sir W. Batten, Colonel Slingsby, and I sat awhile, and Sir R. Ford coming to us about some business, we talked together of the interest of this kingdom to have a peace with Spain and a war with France and Holland; where Sir R. Ford talked like a man of great reason and experience. And afterwards I did send for a cup of tee (a China drink) of which I never had drank before, and went away.’
25th September 1660

However, it would be nearly another hundred years before tea would become infused into our national habits. The Astbury Ware teapot in our collection charmingly reflects the start of the dedicated teapot.   Production started in 1720 its small size reflecting the value of tea which had a 119% tax, the tea being prized by smugglers who shipped it to and from America.
  

Astbury Ware

Our trade with China for tea and its fine porcelain led to technological revolution in ceramics in Britain. Wrenthorpe pottery in Wakefield struggled to keep pace with Leeds, Castleford and the Don valley, because it lacked the ability to make the new porcelains. The pink enamelling on the 1780s Leeds ware teapot was a refreshing change to brown utilitarian pots. 

Leeds Ware

The excess tax and smuggling boiled over with the 1773 tea act and the Boston Tea party in America, the problems gained a head of steam and in 1784 Richard Twinning advised William Pitt the Younger to reduce the tax to 12.5%

It didn’t take too long before this stimulating brew of politics, changes in technology and trade popularised tea drinking into the national drink.

There are some fine services in the Wakefield's collection and many would be welcome in the wild world of steampunk. What they lack in cogs and top hats they more than make up for in decoration. The Rockingham set for example:

Rockingham tea set

But for sheer volume you have to go for our favourite - the 1870 Barge ware - a fine spectacle at any party:

Barge Ware

These wonderful tea pots, and more, are currently on display in Wakefield Museum.  The barge ware pot featured here really does have to be seen to be believed! 

For those of you with Steampunk or Victoriana inclinations, or intrigued to know more, come along to Wakefield Museum next Wednesday evening, when we will be host to the amazing Palace of Curiosities - a Victorian sideshow with a difference.  

Wonder at the bizarre collection of objects that will amaze and astound you all in a feast of incredulity and disbelief.  All the atmosphere, wonderment and macabre family fun of a Victorian travelling fairground curiosity sideshow – seeing is believing!

The Palace of Curiosities

Wednesday 30 September

Wakefield Museum

5pm to 7.30pm

Suitable for all!