A few of our favourite things
This section features some of the team’s favourite objects from the collection. One example is a letter from 1838, which sheds light on the strained working relationship between Isambard Kingdom Brunel and William Ranger. Ranger had been contracted to build sections of the Great Western Railway, but delays led Brunel to dismiss him – and keep his tools.
Wellbeing
The ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ are five key actions that can support mental health and wellbeing. This part of the display explores how museums – including ours – connect with these five themes through stories, spaces and activities.
Past displays
Some of the objects you may remember seeing in the galleries are now resting in storage, making space for new items to be exhibited. This section highlights items recently removed from display and explains more about their significance.
What’s on the walls?
This feature focuses on the museum’s entrance foyer, where a rotating selection of objects and artworks is regularly on display. One example includes a pair of glass eyes that belonged to local optician Eubulus Williams, who opened his practice in Newton around 1910.
Past exhibitions
Over the years, the museum has hosted a variety of themed exhibitions. A recent example was our summer display focused on Newton Abbot’s town centre shops, created in 2021 by volunteer Bridie Snelling with help from her husband William.
We also worked with members of Newton Abbot Photographic Club, who documented the transformation of a derelict church into the vibrant Newton’s Place museum and community space. Their photos captured the entire process, from early renovation through to completion.
Listen to the artist discuss Picturing the Past
Another popular exhibition was Tremendous Teddies, which ran in spring 2022 and celebrated the history and sentimental value of teddy bears across generations.
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