Blog
Hazards in Collections: Reducing the Risks – Radioactive Material
Find out more about radioactive materials, which ones we have in our collection and how we care for them.
Hazards in Collections: Reducing the Risks – Heavy Metal(s)
Discover where lead, arsenic and mercury appear in historic collections, the risks they pose, and how museums manage them safely.
Still to Come This April
There’s still a lot going on this April at the Museum - make sure you don’t miss out!
Hazards in Collections: Reducing the Risks - The Big ‘A’
This second post in our Hazards in Collections series explores asbestos: what it is, why it’s dangerous, and the many unexpected places it can show up in historic objects. From minerals and early electrics to Bakelite, gas masks and even old ceramic repairs, it appears more often than you’d think. We also touch on how risk varies with an item’s condition and how teams manage it safely, with some higher‑risk pieces needing specialist removal or disposal.
Hazards in Collections: Reducing the Risks Introduction
We reflect on the hidden hazards within our collections and how recent training has helped us better identify and manage risks like asbestos, heavy metals and mould. With support from a Museum Development South West grant, we’ve also been able to make our Natural History Store safer for our team and visitors.
Delightful Disposals: Arguably the world’s largest can opener collection (not really!) finds new home
Disposals might sound alarming in a museum context, but at the Museum of Gloucester they’re anything but. As we continue reviewing our social history collection, we’ve recently rehomed around 100 objects, including an impressive 87 can openers, to the Ken Hawley Collection Trust in Sheffield. These items, once tucked away in storage, now have a new life within a nationally significant tool-making collection, where their stories can shine. This “delightful disposal” is a perfect example of how responsible collections care ensures objects find the places where they truly belong.
Dendrochronology project - Significant isotope dating result
A rare discovery from the Museum’s timber samples has just been confirmed by Swansea University, marking an exciting milestone in our dendrochronology project. Find out why this result matters and what it means for future research.
Discovery Centre Finds - Stoneware Jug
Council proposes Changes TO THE Museum in 2026
Discovery Centre Finds - Post-medieval glass bottle with seal
A 17th-century dark green glass wine bottle of the “shaft and globe” type, made in England using the free-blown method. Its seal, marked “I.H,” likely identifies the person who commissioned it rather than the maker—possibly John or similar, as “I” was used for “J” at the time.
Dendrochronology project - Museum of Gloucester / Swansea University
In 2025, the Museum of Gloucester partnered with scientists from Swansea University’s Department of Geography on the Quercus project. This initiative focuses on analysing timber samples from across the UK to uncover insights into history, environment, and heritage through wood science.
Discovery Centre Finds - Glass ‘bath flask’ & hexagonal bottle
A late 1st-century glass bath flask, once used for perfumed oils in Roman baths, was discovered in Gloucester. It retains a copper-alloy ring for suspension, hinting at personal use during the city’s Legionary fortress period. Alongside it, a striking blue hexagonal glass bottle served as a versatile container for liquids like oil or wine.
Glass Plate Photographs
The collection holds over 1,000 glass plate photographs, including pilgrimage scenes, Gloucester landmarks, and architectural views. Many remain unidentified, and the museum invites the public to help uncover their stories.
We’re Hiring! Museum Inspirers!
Ready to spark excitement and curiosity in young minds? Join the Museum of Gloucester as a Museum Inspirer!
Application closing date : 28/11/2025
Discovery Centre Finds - Clay Pipes
Two 19th-century clay pipes reflect personal identity and patriotism. One is linked to military service with the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, while the other features Irish nationalist symbols popular among immigrant communities in towns like Gloucester and Cheltenham.
Restoring a Legend: The Black Dog
A beloved Gloucester icon, the Black Dog, has been lovingly restored after decades of mystery, damage, and rediscovery. From its rooftop perch on Northgate Street to its recent conservation in 2024, this carved pup’s journey spans wars, craftsmanship, and community care. This post celebrates the dog’s rich history, its creator Arthur Levison, and the late Pieta Greaves, whose expert hands helped bring the Black Dog back to life.
Museum of Gloucester awarded major funding from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund
The Museum of Gloucester is delighted to announce that it has been awarded significant funding from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund 2025-26.
Discovery Centre Finds – Sling Bullet
This small, oval-shaped object of fired clay was found in a deposit dated to the 2nd century AD, in the Early Roman period.
Discovery Centre Finds – Decorated Greyware flagon
This large pottery vessel was found in a well at Frocester, probably dating to the later 2nd or 3rd centuries AD.
Discovery Centre Finds - Flint arrowhead
This almost complete ‘leaf-shaped’ flint arrowhead was found at the Buckles site, Frocester, in 1983.