A new temporary exhibition has been installed throughout the museum, consisting of clay creations made by children during our First World War One themed Bricks, Bombs and Belles event held in June 2021. Inspired by the museum, the exhibition and speaking to our costumed interpreters, the children taking part made models and then interpreted their work in their own words.

The work displayed captures so many elements of the story of the brickworks in WW1. Brickmaking continued with clay coming in on wagons and bricks leaving on the railway line, as can be seen in some of the models. Women are also well represented which is key to the ‘works in the war as one of the brickmakers noted, on his return from the front, that the place was ‘Full of women!’ We think they were here filling shells – the shells and the cordite used to fill them arrived via the railway, which also brought the women to work. Several of our young people made bombs, shells or weapons to tell this story.

Other elements of the conflict are represented – from rats to rations, lamps to candle holders, tankards to tanks and a rather nice hippo reminding us of the international nature of the conflict. The Brickworks team are really impressed with the way our young participants have captured the story of the ‘works in the war.

This display will be in place until the end of the November, at which point the models will be returned to their creators, with thanks for creating them and lending them to us for display. Come and see the display, and the rest of our Bricks, Bombs and Belles exhibition on Wednesdays, Thursdays or any of our special open days (see the visit and events pages on our website for full details)

Models in the Museum

Models in the Museum

Bricks, Bombs and Belles was generously funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With thanks to players of the National Lottery – your ticket purchase funds a wealth of good causes.