Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life in Carlisle Castle is to open a new temporary exhibition on 16 September, The History of the Regiment in 100 Objects.
All the objects in the exhibition have been personally chosen by Stuart Eastwood, who has curated at the Museum for over 27 years. Stuart will be sadly stepping down from this role in the New Year.
Stuart’s extensive knowledge has provided the framework to the displays with many objects seeming commonplace but highlight an aspect of the Regiment’s history through a single item.
The History of the Regiment in 100 objects is a story told through ordinary objects the oldest being the London Gazette Newspaper from 1703 to the most recent, a specially commissioned painting by artist Stephen Warnes depicting the history of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment on the 60th anniversary of its formation.
Many of the objects have rarely been seen on display at the Museum and may seem very ordinary or insignificant, but they all play a part in the lives of soldiers and officers of the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot to the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
Stuart Eastwood said: “Throughout time, the individual soldier has carried kit and equipment, worn uniform, had routine and duties, obeyed orders, honoured traditions and served at home and abroad. Putting the exhibition together has identified gaps within our collections and as a charity we are reliant on donations and gifts to continue to grow our collections. The museum unfortunately cannot all items due to space restrictions however, our temporary exhibitions programme enables us to display our objects, archives and photographs so that the public can learn more about our proud heritage.”
The History of the Regiment in 100 objects opens to the public on Monday 16 September until Sunday 1 December 2019.
