This little rolling seal was one of two objects chosen for our Collections chat on 8 October, a conversation which ranged from curious contraptions, to the hugeness of the universe, to hidden messages of hope in tiny things.

I chose these items as they seemed arcane and magical. There's something about brass objects that have both a scientific and mysterious feel to them. They both seemed to tell their own stories and almost immediately spoke of a history of times gone by. The sundial was there for the sun to communicate and decipher the time and the stamp was there to communicate little moments of love and happiness. For me they almost work as a pair. If I have time I want to fill it with happiness and love, and if I have love I want more time to spend with it.

​What would you say to brighten someone's day? A little message to lift them, maybe a little picture... Wouldn't it be lovely if we all took the time to tell each other 'everything is going to be okay'. If we can't find the time for words of affirmation, encouragement or comfort, maybe we should all make a little stamp so we can send each other a message instead."

​Haroon, M14

Rolling fob seal, brass, with inscriptions, British, c.1800

This item has been chosen twice for our Collections Chat programme.

Thursday 8 October 2020

Thursday 10 December 2020