Northampton Museums & Art Gallery is inviting guest curators from across the county to work with us to select, research and tell the stories of significant objects to be included in a major exhibition – A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects in 2025.
The exhibition will be the culmination of a three-year Arts Council funded Histories of Northamptonshire programme which is engaging individuals, groups and communities across the county to celebrate and share stories of Northamptonshire’s heritage through exhibitions, events and digital activities.
A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects will explore diverse stories of the county’s past, from when life first appeared on the planet millions of years ago to the present day. It will not be a definitive history of Northamptonshire, but instead, through the showcasing of 100 selected objects, will be a wide-ranging exploration of the people, places, events and objects that have shaped our county.
The Guest Curators will propose an object or history for inclusion in the exhibition and then undertake research on their nominated object and create content sharing its story for the exhibition and accompanying website, exhibition book, app and podcast series. Guest Curators can be an individual or alternatively a group or society may wish to work together to propose an object for inclusion, undertake research and share its story.
Objects can be big or small, of any age and made of any material – we just ask that they
Can be physically displayed in the museum
Will be available for display from Sept 25 to Feb 26.
Do not require any conservation or other works or special environmental controls.
Can be linked to a clear time period
Have an interesting story to be researched and told
Objects may be part of Northampton Museum collections (ideally not already on display), loaned from other museum / archive or society collections (permissions must be readily available) such as the Archaeological Resource Centre or loaned (again agreements should be in place) by private owners / venues.
You can submit an initial indication of your interest in becoming a guest curator by emailing your details to [email protected] and requesting an application form.
More information about the Histories of Northamptonshire project can be found on our website. If you would like to discuss your potential involvement with us or to suggest an additional group or individual who may be interested in becoming a guest curator then please do contact us by email or calling the HoN Project Officer 01604 526317.
All application forms should be completed and returned to us by 7 October 2025. All the applications received will be considered by an advisory panel before our guest curators and final objects are selected and notified with a final list by end of November 2024. All research for the exhibition and other elements will need to be completed and exhibition content submitted by end of February 2025.