First historical objects to mark Lancashire County Council’s 50th birthday are from Preston

Heather Davis with County Councillor Peter Buckley. Pic: Lancashire County Council

The first historical objects to mark 50 years of Lancashire County Council have been selected and are from Preston.

Every Wednesday until March 2025, a new object will be announced on go on display in libraries and museums across the county, telling the story of historical Lancashire.

The first object chosen to launch the exhibition was announced in May – two sets of carved doors from the County Council’s headquarters in Preston.

Carved doors at Christ Church Precinct. Pic: LCC

The doors, on the Chapel building, have ornate cast bronze door panels depicting aspects of Lancashire industries, including coal mining and aircraft construction.

Each inlaid panel ‘embodies the spirit of Lancashire’ from its wildlife to its rich agricultural past.

Heather Davis, Conservation and Collections Manager at Lancashire County Council, said: “We are incredibly excited to launch this project, which tells the story of Lancashire. A lot of planning and preparation has been put into making sure these objects reflect the communities from which they originate.

“The carved doors are close to the hearts of those of us who work in County Hall and felt like an appropriate monument to 50 years of the County Council. From next week, objects will be on public display and we really hope people will travel to libraries and museums to enjoy the stories contained within.”

Curator Philip Butler working with Roman pilum. Pic: LCC

Items will be displayed in every district and be announced on the council’s social media pages. Lancashire Libraries will also be jesting 50 author’s book displays – a selection of books by authors who were born or have strong connections to Lancashire.

The County Council has been serving its communities in its current form since 1974. The weekly objects will be the first in a series of events hosted to mark the 50th anniversary.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “These objects tell the story of our unique county and its communities. This Council has been providing fantastic services to support all these communities for half a century and will continue to do so for many more years.”

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