Thousands attend county's '100 objects' exhibition

Visitors were able to see the original Kettering Town football shirt that inspired shirt sponsorship globally

An exhibition that showcased a county's history through items like graffiti art and a Dr Martens boot has been hailed a success, with thousands of visitors coming through the doors.

A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects ran at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery from 20 September to 8 February.

West Northamptonshire Council, which owns the museum, said it attracted 46,085 visitors - a 22% increase on the same period the year before.

James Petter, Reform-UK deputy leader and cabinet member for local economy, culture and leisure, said the exhibition "inspired real pride in our county".

An array of items were on display during the exhibition

The council said the exhibition featured a 50-50 mix of museum collection items and loans from individuals and institutions, including the British Museum, the V&A, National Records of Scotland, Lamport Hall and more than 40 other partners.

It included graffiti artwork by anonymous street artist "Binty Bint", a Formula 1 car and a Saints rugby top.

The loaned items have now been returned, with museum pieces redistributed to the Northampton History Gallery, Shoe Gallery and collection stores.

The museum said feedback had been "overwhelmingly positive, with many organisations arranging group visits and expressing interest in future collaboration".

Visitors left more than 3,000 positive written comments with some visiting more than once, it added.

"Guest curators also reported increased interest in visiting their own sites as a result of the exhibition, demonstrating its wider cultural and economic impact," a spokesperson said.

Visitors were also able to see a Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair

Petter said the success of the exhibition was "remarkable".

"Not only have we welcomed record visitor numbers, but we've also seen people reconnect with Northamptonshire's rich history in a way that has inspired real pride in our county," he said.

"The strength of collaboration with our guest curators and partner organisations has been outstanding, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback shows just how much this exhibition has meant to our communities."

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