New exhibition lifts lid on the latest additions to Rugby's social history collection

What's New? includes items donated to the collection over the last five years, from a second century Roman stone discovered by archaeologists during a dig ahead of the Houlton development to a sign taken to a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Rugby in 2020.

Other historical treasures featured in the exhibition include the uniform worn by Brenda Clayton (nee Whittaker), who served with the Women's Land Army at Normandy Farm, near Rugby Radio Station, during the Second World War, and the letter of appointment a 14-year-old Nora Chapman received to confirm her role working for jet engine pioneer Sir Frank Whittle at Power Jets Limited, based at Brownsover Hall.

What's New? also includes a painting by Alan Sorrell of the Rugby-manufactured English Electric turbines being installed at the Hinkley Point A nuclear power station in the 1960s and the large bellows which fuelled work at Willoughby's old blacksmith's forge until the same decade. 

Catherine Shanahan, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's senior collections officer, said the origins of the borough's social history collection could be traced back to the 1890s when staff at the then Rugby Library started an ad hoc collection of artefacts.

"The collection as we know it today was started in 1999, a year before Rugby Art Gallery and Museum first opened its doors," Catherine added. "It now comprises thousands of items, with the vast majority donated by people who live - or have lived - in the borough."

What's New? opens at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's Local History Gallery next Wednesday (9 October) and runs until Saturday 5 April 2025.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for partnerships and wellbeing, said: "The social history collection tells so many stories about Rugby's history, from its role in the development of the jet engine to its rich Roman heritage and historic status as the birthplace of the game.

"But we write our social history every day and I'm delighted What's New? also includes items revealing stories behind recent chapters in our history. In particular, after a career spent in the NHS, a rainbow t-shirt worn during the pandemic to show support for our health workers."

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, added: "'Made in Rugby' is stamped on many international projects and is known the world over.

"We should be proud of our heritage and the people who contributed to it, fully recognising Rugby's history and its social value."

For more information about exhibitions and events at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, visit www.ragm.co.uk