A CLEAR sign of the untapped treasures in Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s archive has come from their latest discovery in the collection.

As part of a project investigating their extensive collection, much of which can’t be displayed, for space issues, a large parade banner has been found. The item which reads ‘Swindon Baptist of hope, established 1882’ and ‘go and do thou likewise’, features the Good Samaritan tending to a man.

Museum collection project manager Stefanie Vincent said the banner was most likely used in street marches in the late 1800s or early 1900s.

It is thought the display, which would have been carried with two wooden poles, hadn’t been seen for around 20 years until it was discovered three weeks ago.

She said: “I’m leading a two Heritage Lottery funded project to examine our stored collection to assess the conditions and try improve them where possible.

"This piece was a rather unexpected find. It is the Good Samaritan with a really striking image and message.

"On the back it focuses on temperance and a depiction of a ‘perfect’ family who don’t have alcohol or other ‘evils’.

“When we unrolled it we didn’t expect it to be as nice as it is. We weren’t sure what condition we’d find it in.”

Stefanie works with a team of 20 volunteers to go through the museum’s archive. Other finds have included part of a bomb dropped on Swindon and other artwork.

It is hoped items, such as the parade banner, will be seen by the public if the museum moves to a larger, more practical premises.

Curator Sophie Cummings said: “We have got this amazing collection in Swindon and it feels like we are always discovering something new. It is great because it reminds us all about the rich history Swindon has.

“It will be great to move forwards and be able to display much more from our collection.”


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One of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s current exhibitions is focusing on innovation and influence in British studio ceramics.

The display is broken up into two sections. The first is dedicated to the work of Bernard Leach with the second focusing on women ceramists. The exhibition is running until September 12.

To find out more about the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery’s displays call 01793 466556.

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  • Collections project manager Stefanie Vincent with the banner found at Swindon Museum. Picture: STUART HARRISON