Metal Box Exhibition - Mansfield Museum
Preparation & opening by the Mayor of Mansfield October 2011
By Pauline Marples
This new temporary exhibition is by way of being the Museum’s homage to a company which has contributed an incalculable amount to the life of the town for over a century and a half.
As part of our efforts to preserve the town’s Metal Box heritage, we have assembled hundreds of examples of colourful tin-ware from all periods of the Rock Valley factory’s production life. Many of these are only recently acquired, the majority at auction on the closing of the original factory in 2010, and are on display for the first time.
These are complemented by scores of other evocative artefacts, including a substantial collection of original artwork. This, aesthetic, side of the exhibition undoubtedly provides a rare visual treat for even the most casual visitor.
The story of Metal Box, however, is not contained solely in its decorative products, no matter how impressive. For the story of the factory is also the story of the thousands of local people who worked there. And not just worked but played, making full use of the copious social and sporting facilities provided by this enlightened employer.
To this end, the exhibition contains a range of photographic images which we hope will capture something of the human ‘feel’ of the now-demolished factory.
As well as having access to this unprecedented collection of Metal Box objects, visitors are able to watch a slide-show of images of the old factory, supported by fascinating commentary from knowledgeable ex-staff. Also helping expand the exhibition’s scope are audio recordings of ex-employees’ anecdotes, reminiscences and insider information, much of it garnered during the highly successful Memory Day held at Leeming Street in September 2010. (Topics range from apprenticeships and social events to ghosts!)
Whether you are a current or ex-employee, therefore, or simply someone who takes pleasure in contemplating beautiful, functional objects, we feel sure you will find much that is memorable in our modest appreciation of a much-missed part of the local scene.
This web page shows photographs in the week from Monday 26th September when the exhibition was being prepared to Saturday 1st October when it was opened by Mansfield’s Executive Mayor Tony Egginton. Photographs taken by Malcolm & pauline Marples
A Metal Box audio slideshow can be found on the following,
Museum education room with tables waiting for tins to be brought from the storerooms.
Putting labels on some of the loaned items.
More tins being put ready for washing.
Washing & drying the tins.
Tins being organised into sections.
Everywhere you look there are tins.
Museum gallery being prepared for the exhibition.
Saturday October 1st 11am - Preparing to cut the ribbon
Posing for the BBC and CHAD photographer's
People looking and talking.
Bending down to look and talk.
Memories for two elderly ladies who worked at Metal Box.
It all brings back memories.
Alan Plowright & Alan Atkins who produced a book on the history of the factory.
On your knees looking at the photo's.
Talking about the days of tin making.
There is so much to look at!
The former Metal Box building.
This page was added on 03/10/2011.