Staff and volunteer personal collections

Here at Hampshire Cultural Trust we care for over 2.5 million historic objects, from working steam engines to fragile ancient artefacts. Our collections tell the stories of Hampshire's people, past and present, but this #NationalHobbyMonth we wanted to find out what our staff and volunteers collect.

Check out some of their most cared for objects and let us know what items you collect by sharing your photos and stories on social media. Tag us on Twitter @HantsCulture, Facebook  @HampshireCulturalTrust or Instagram @hantsculture...

Adam from Ashcroft Arts Centre's WWF/WWE figures...

"My collection consists of two figure types:

1. The loose figures are some of the 1990 – 1994 WWF Hasbro's, the toys I grew up with as a child. I started this collection about 2 years ago and my aim is to collect all released figures, however this is proving very difficult due to the rarity of some and the £400+ price tag on others!

2. The original packaged figures are some of the WWE Mattel Retro's, these are mostly current wrestlers but released in the same style as the original WWF Hasbro’s. This line was released late 2016 and is also a collection proving hard to complete based on its popularity.

I started this to remember what I loved growing up as a child. I am only 1/6 of the way through, but enjoying the process!"


Emma from Westbury Manor Museum's sewing box...

"Here is my inherited collection of vintage sewing patterns, threads and buttons all housed in the green box. They belonged to my Nan, Irene who was an excellent seamstress and made a lot of her own clothes when she was younger. It looks like most of the patterns are from the 1960s and some of the threads have never been used. I inherited the sewing box and contents when she passed away in 2014. I have recently got a sewing machine so am hoping to use some of them for my craft projects!"


Sophie from Hampshire Cultural Trust's pins and badges...

"Here’s a selection from my collection of over 50 (how did that happen?!) pins and badges, including ones from New York, Northern Ireland, some that were passed down or gifted, and several 'stagey' ones from shows attended pre-lockdown! I try to buy one whenever I visit somewhere new and have treated myself to several from online shops."


Sarah from Basing House's Yorkshire Tea mugs...

"One of my unusual hobbies is collecting 'Yorkshire' mugs. It started with one that belonged to my Grandad and has grown from there. They come in several shapes and sizes and are mainly dated between the late 1890s to mid 1940s, with some more modern. I have over 30 and they are relatively cheap to collect."


Hannah from Hampshire Cultural Trust's shot glasses...

"In my collection of shot glasses you'll find places I have visited, quirky designs I just couldn't walk past and gifts from loved ones who know I collect them. I even have a D-Day glass that my dad brought back from a trip to Normandy...a nod to my love for history!"


Liz from Hampshire Cultural Trust's fridge magnets...

"Our collection of fridge magnets started with one my daughter chose on a trip to Inverness when she was four, bagpipes that play Scotland the Brave. Since then, whenever either of us have been travelling, we've brought one back as a reminder of where we've been and times together - the tackier the better!"


David from Milestones Museum's military camping equipment...

"Here is my collection of 20th Century army camping kits, including tents, cook sets, beds etc. The picture shows valise from 1958 Victorian British officers, as well as those from France, Germany, USA, Russia, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Norway, Holland, Austria. The best bit is that I get to camp out in the garden and 'play' with my collection for 'real'!"


If you have enjoyed Culture on Call and you are able to make a donation, please click the link below. Any support you can give will help us keep communities connected to culture in these difficult times.

Donate Now | Hampshire Cultural Trust
Our venues are safe and inclusive spaces that provide great cultural experiences at the heart of our communities and connect everyone to Hampshire’s rich heritage.We welcome over 700,000 visitors to our venues each year and also work with over 2,000 people annually who are vulnerable or who otherwi…
This article was collaboration between:
Author image

Hampshire Cultural Trust

From museums to galleries to arts centres, we manage and support attractions across the county, welcoming over 740,000 people each year. Our charitable purpose is changing lives through culture.
Author image

Amy Watson

Former Product Marketing Manager (Combined Arts) for all of Hampshire Cultural Trust's arts venues
You've successfully subscribed to Culture on Call
Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Culture on Call
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.