The Museum of the Horse in Tuxford is preparing for its upcoming Side Saddle exhibition, believed to feature one of the largest collections of side saddles in the world.
The exhibition will include 45 different side saddles alongside whips, spurs and other accessories, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about the historic and often romanticised pastime of side saddle riding. Also on display will be a collection of elegant 19th and early 20th century side saddle riding costumes, known as habits, several of which are new additions to the museum’s collection.
The exhibition highlights how fashions and lifestyles have changed over the past century, with some of the tiny waist measurements requiring specially adapted wire mannequins because standard display models were too large. The museum also hopes to have a side saddle available for visitors to sit on and experience this unusual style of riding for themselves. The Side Saddle exhibition opens on Sunday 21st June from 2.00pm to 4.00pm and will remain on display until September. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 4.00pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1.30pm. For more information, ring 01777 838234.
Meanwhile, at Walks of Life Museum, current displays are exploring the changing styles of dress and childhood through the years. Research by one of the museum’s students has focused on childhood history, including examples of smocking, which became fashionable on children’s clothing despite originally being worn by agricultural workers. The museum also continues to display rural artefacts connected to farming life, alongside historic catalogues and records linked to local farming families, some of whom still farm in the area today. A celebration of country folk will take place at the museum on Sunday 19th July from 10.00am, with further details to be announced. The Walks of Life Museum is open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
For more information, ring 01777 872776, email dianehunt08@btinternet.com or visit the Museum of the Horse and Walks of Life Facebook pages.