Object of the Year 2023
This year we are turning the spotlight on the climate crisis by drawing public attention to objects in our museum collections that tell climate stories. Museums and heritage organisations hold collections that tell stories of human interaction with our planet over generations.
The Object of the Year is decided by public vote. This year we have seven fascinating objects, each of which tells a climate story.
Please continue scrolling to read the story behind each object and which museum they belong to. You can vote for your favourite at the end of this page.
Predannack Anti-Aircraft Battery and Museum
Lucas Freelite, Vintage Wind Generator
One of the first commercially produced wind turbines for electricity generation was the LUCAS FREELITE, a special low-speed dynamo taken from a Morris car that was coupled to ex Sopwith Camel propeller to make a wind turbine.
The Castle Heritage Centre, Bude
Message In A Bottle
Message in a bottle – how the seemingly innocent throwaway actions of two teenagers in Canada made an impact on a beach in North Cornwall.
PK Porthcurno
Green Turtle Hatchling
Green Turtle hatchling from Ascension Island, brought back as a souvenir by a telegraph worker. Ascension is an isolated volcanic island in the South Atlantic and was a landing station for undersea telegraph cables. It is a nesting site for Green Turtles and today is a designated Marine Protected Area.
Museum of Cornish Life
Gannet
In 1967 over 100,000 tons of crude oil spilled out of the SS Torrey Canyon as it hit on rocks off the coast of Cornwall. Cornish Beaches were left knee-deep in sludge and thousands of sea birds were killed. Created by artist carver of wood and stone Peter Boex this bird signifies the deaths of seabirds caused by oils and other pollutants.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall
The Kiribati Outrigger
This boat is from the Kiribati islands in the Pacific. It was made by Ueaua in 1976, who was taught to build boats by his grandfather. Racing boats are an important part of the islands’ culture. This is threatened by sea level rises caused by climate change.
Saltash Heritage
‘Grace Darling – A Wooden Cradle’
‘Grace Darling’ a 3’6” x 18” model rowing boat, constructed in the traditional Clinker built style. However this one was designed to be a baby’s cradle. It was later converted into a child’s rowing boat by fitting it out internally in the style of the typical fishing boats plying down the River Tamar.
Mevagissey Museum
A Mevagissey Goby
We often have to reflect upon our past to find solutions, the Climate Crisis is one of those times.
The Mevagissey Goby represents such a ‘back to the future’ moment using a real issue of plastic waste with a heritage twist and a playful positive experience.
Vote Here
To vote for your 2023 Object of the Year, please select one from the poll below: