Value 2

A couple of strands are intertwining!  In thinking about value and having loved Mary’s spoon collection, I was reminded of a spoon from my own collection, a Victorian, ceramic measuring spoon.  This got me thinking about making some kind of measure of value.  At the moment I am thinking spoons, but it may develop into other things like cups.  Instead of being marked with the usual units of measurement the objects would carry a value measurement such as precious, priceless, worthy etc stamped into the clay or maybe written on a tag.  I would aim to reference Mary’s spoons in some way.  Perhaps some would be made then broken, torn or worn etc.  I like the idea that these ones might carry the highest value measure. Perhaps I might include some accession numbers or some of the unknown initials marked on the spoons.  Lots to play with!  Sharon

Victorian ceramic measuring spoon

Spoon drawer, Mary Greg Collection

A passport to Royalty?

Held in the OPUA Collection at Platt Hall Museum of Costume

Worn and faded inside

In finding the Rebekah Bateman Hope of the passport, did anyone notice further down in the Hope Family tree document, a marriage between Alexander Faulkner SHAND and Augusta Mary COATES?  They had a son Philip Morton SHAND whose descendants included Camilla Rosemary SHAND who is married to Charles Philip Arthur George Windsor – or Prince Charles as we know him!  Now if that doesn’t add value I don’t know what does!!  Sharon

Value

Mary Greg letters

I’ve been thinking a lot about value. It’s a common thread of discussion every time we meet. The value of the collection to Mary and the lack of value (or perceived lack of value) the collection has within the Art Gallery currently. I wondered if this was always the case. The letters certainly reveal that the collection was held in greater esteem in the 1920’s. It was considered worthy enough to house a permanent display at Heaton Hall. Bathos writes (9th Oct 1924)

“….your collection at Heaton Hall is still attracting thousands weekly. Up to date this year over 154,000 visitors have passed through the turnstiles.”

And again in 1925 (Aug 17th)

“…123,208 visitors to your exhibition of dolls at Heaton Hall this year.”

There was even a Royal visitor in May 1927!

“.. Princess Mary appreciated all that was shown her”.

Interestingly in June 1927 Bathos informs Mary that Heaton Hall had 16,000 visitors over Whitsun compared to the 14,000 at the City Art Gallery. 1-0 Mary!

If value were to be judged by visitor figures alone then this collection was significant. I also think there must be some value in further research into the visitor demographic and exhibition content held at different sites. Did one appeal more to the masses and why? Are there any other historic, statistical records held at the Gallery? When and why was the collection taken off display at Heaton Hall? Is that when it went into storage?

Sharon