Blog

Head Wrightson and Co.

Head Wrightson was one of the first iron and steel making firms in the Cleveland area to come about in the period of industrialisation in the 1850s.

The First Aid Kit

First Aid Kits were developed commercially by Johnson and Johnson for use on the American Railroad. On both sides of the Atlantic, accidents resulting in injury and death were common on the railways.

The Cleveland Institution of Engineers

Founded in 1864, The Cleveland Institution of Engineers is possibly one of the oldest Institutions of its kind in the world. It contributed to the industrial and technical growth of the Tees Valley and is still a successful Institution today.

Locomotion No 1

In this blog we are looking into Locomotion No 1, the early steam engine that ran of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. This majestic piece of machinery is now in danger of leaving Darlington and Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum need your help to ‘Keep the Loco in Darlo’.

Kilncraft Bacchus

Kilncraft Bacchus was a style of British pottery that evoked the feel and look of the 1970s and is still remembered today as a staple of the decade.

Creepy Dolls

For Halloween we are looking into one part of our collections that have the ultimate 'creep' factor - Dolls.

What is it about old dolls that give many of us the creeps? These innocent children’s toys have a reputation for giving many of our colleagues shivers when they have to work with them or even walk past them. So how is it that these little objects can have such a powerful effect on us?

Nahem Shoa and ‘Giant Head of Ben’

Nahem Shoa's portrait, 'Giant Head of Ben' is one of a series of large portraits and is currently an important part of Hartlepool’s Art Collection.

Arthur Wharton

Arthur Wharton may not be a household name today but his place in football history is unmatched. He was the first black professional football player in the FA and one of the best goalkeepers to ever grace the field, pioneering many techniques. Originally from Ghana, Wharton came to Darlington when he was 19 in 1882 to train as a Methodist Missionary at Cleveland Collage.

Lady Florence Bell

Lady Florence Bell had been a successful playwright in her time, a contributor to the social study of Middlesbrough’s steel workers, and was the step-mother of Gertrude Bell. However she is also remembered controversially for her views on women and her work as an Anti-Suffragist.

Darlington Locomotive Works in WW2

North Road Locomotive Works in Darlington played a big part in the local community. Here we look at a photograph held in the Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum collection and explore the role of women in the works during the Second World War.

The Edison Wax Cylinders

These wax cylinders are held in the collection at Preston Park Museum and Grounds and are a fascinating insight into how our ancestors listened to music. This was the beginning of the commercial trade of pre-recorded music from some of the favourite performers of the time. Even better they could listen to theses performances in the comfort of their own homes.

Gertrude Bell and the Law of Excavation

Gertrude Bell is known for her part in the First World War as a diplomat and spy, and in the creation of Iraq, but she was also an important figure in preserving the country’s history and for founding a Museum before the end of her life.