Adopt an Object: available objects
The Adopt an Object scheme allows members to help Reading Museum care for its collection by adopting one of its objects for a year – either to show your own support, or as a special and unique gift.
Adopters receive a certificate including an image and description of the object, and their name will appear on its label in the gallery.
The adoption fee includes membership of the Friends of Reading Museum and as such entitles the adopter to a 10% discount on any purchase from the museum shop or website.
Objects available for adoption are all on display in the galleries of Reading Museum and are from all the collections from ceramics to hand axes to natural history and biscuit tins.
To adopt an object click the button next to the item and complete the online form.
CLICK HERE AND READ BEFORE ADOPTING
Recent History
Huntley & Palmers Assorted Cocktail Biscuits tin
This small tin dates from about 1955. Cocktail biscuits remained popular into the 1970s, when Huntley & Palmers Public Relations office guidance stated they ‘are ideal … either on their own [or] flavoured with cheese, tomato, curry and herbs or with a savoury dip’.
Object ref: REDMG:1992.2.440
Huntley & Palmers ‘F.A. Cup’ biscuit tin
This aluminium copy of the Football Association trophy was made during Reading Football Club’s good 1926-1927 F.A. Cup run, in anticipation of their victory at Wembley. Sadly the tin was never put into production as Reading lost 3-0 to Cardiff City in the semi-final on 26 March 1927.
Object ref: REDMG:1992.2.239
Huntley & Palmers ‘Kate Greenaway’ biscuit tin
This 1980 tin, featuring a Kate Greenaway illustration of a tea party in a summer garden, had to be withdrawn after complaints in the press - rude images hidden in the shrubbery by a mischievous freelance designer, Mick Hill, had been noticed by a vigilant grocer!
(REDMG:1992.2.933)
Jackson’s clock
This large public clock was positioned over the main entrance to Jackson’s Department Store at 3 King’s Road between 1960 and 1996. Edward Jackson established his shop in 1875. As it expanded, the corner of the High Street and King’s Road became known as Jacksons Corner.
Object ref: REDMG:1996.230.1
Steam engine model
This model is of an unnamed Gooch broad gauge steam engine of the Great Western Railway. In 1892 GWR converted to narrow gauge in line with the rest of the railway network. The model maker, Edward Allen, was from Reading and was a tool maker by profession.
Object ref: REDMG:1998.34.1
Nameplate of Locomotive No 5084, Reading Abbey
This steam-powered locomotive ran on the Great Western Railway. The first Reading Abbey, number 4064, was a Star class locomotive built at Swindon in 1922. In 1937 it was rebuilt as a more powerful Castle class, numbered 5084, which ran until 1958 having completed over a million miles.
Object ref: REDMG:1963.116.1
Palace Theatre chair
This upholstered end-of-row seat with inlaid wood is a demonstration model for the early twentieth century refurbishment of the Palace Theatre in Cheapside, which opened in 1907 for variety performances and closed in 1961.
Object ref: REDMG:1986.36.1
Jacobs ‘Coronation Coach’ biscuit tin
This tin was probably produced for the coronation of King Edward VIII in January 1936, but after his abdication it could be re-used for the coronation of King George VI the following year, as it did not include a name or portrait. The roof of the coach forms the lid.
Object ref: REDMG:1992.2.1226
Suttons Seeds model
This model shows Suttons, The Royal Seed Establishment, as it appeared in the 1930s. Their premises behind the Market Place covered nearly 6 acres and included offices, stores, order rooms and loading floors. From here, seeds were dispatched all round the world.
Object ref: REDMG:1998.1.82