One of our current conservation projects is this straw box from @CowpNewtMuseum It has been identified as possible Napoleonic prisoner of war straw work. It was once owned by John Newton who is most famous for writing the hymn Amazing Grace (a thread) #ObjectConservation #straw

No one knows when Newton acquired the box or if it was a gift to his wife Polly or adopted daughter Betsey. The box in the studio for stabilisation, cleaning and reattachment of loose areas. Inside there are glimpses of the original colours that have been protected from light.

When working closely with the box you can appreciate the intricate level of detail of the straw work. #handmade #art #conservation #craft

Before conservation, the box was x-rayed to look at the internal structure and condition of the original metal elements such as the mirror which is now very corroded. #xray #xradiography #corrosion

Newton lived in Olney from 1764 to 1779 before moving to London as rector of St Mary Woolnoth. His journeys from Olney to preach in other towns might have brought him into contact with prisoners of war or it might have been acquired at second hand. The museum is keen to know more

It is one of the very few personal items associated with Newton and will be a centrepiece of a 2022/2023 display at the museum to mark the 250th anniversary of the writing of Amazing Grace.