A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects takes visitors on a journey through the county's rich and diverse past. Using 100 objects, the exhibition will explore the people, events, and industries that have shaped Northamptonshire over the centuries, highlighting its cultural, social, and economic significance.

The exhibition is divided into 20 sections, each focusing on a different period in Northamptonshire's history, from prehistoric times to the present day. Within each section, visitors will be able to view and learn about five objects that are representative of that era. These objects will be drawn from a range of sources, including local museums, archives, and private collections, though principally from the museum collection.

Awarded following a competitive tender opportunity, we partnered with Ugly Studios Design Team to deliver this new exhibition. The decision on the 100 objects to be selected was an on going process through the design period which presented challenges, but we worked closely with the client team to ensure the exhibition was flexible and adaptable as the objects were selected by various community groups and stake holders.

The exhibition's 100 objects will be selected through a combination of processes:

• 50 objects were selected by the museum to form the spine of the exhibition

• 25 objects were selected by selected individuals, experts, and community groups.

• 24 objects were selected through a competitive application process.

• The final object, representing the current period, was selected through a public consultation and ultimate selection by the advisory panel was revealed on the opening night!

 This exhibition invites visitors to journey through 150 million years of Northamptonshire’s rich and diverse past — told through 100 remarkable objects, each with its own story.

What makes this project truly special is the collaborative spirit behind it. With input from 51 guest curators across the county — from historians and collectors to community groups — the exhibition is a celebration of local knowledge, personal passion, and shared heritage.