Raw Materials: Plastics

MoDiP has been working closely with the Nunnery Gallery in preparation for their new exhibition entitled Raw Materials: Plastics. It is part of an ongoing research project through which they have been exploring the industrial heritage of the River Lea through a series of different materials. In 2017 the focus was wood, in 2018 it was textiles and this year it is plastics. MoDiP are delighted to have been asked to contribute by lending some objects, including one of my personal favourites – a Parkesine snooker ball dated to 1865.

Parkesine snooker ball, PHSL : PAR 119  Image credit: MoDiP

The exhibition tells the story of the early development of plastics in Britain, which centred around the Hackney Wick area, and features objects, photographs and archival material. It runs from 17/05/2019 – 25/08/2019 (Tuesdays to Sundays) at the Nunnery Gallery and has an accompanying events programme with talks, presentations and workshops.

One of the display cases with MoDiP’s Halex Table Tennis Balls (top right), AIBDC : 006191, and Xylonite hairbrush, hand mirror and dressing table tray (right), AIBDC : 006922.1-3.  Image credit: MoDiP

Katherine Pell, Museum Collections Officer.