A new exhibition celebrating the people, skills, and industries that have shaped the Chichester District has opened at The Novium Museum.
A new exhibition celebrating the people, skills, and industries that have shaped the Chichester District has opened at The Novium Museum.
Titled Made in Chichester District, the free exhibition explores the area's rich history of making, crafting, and manufacturing. Through a range of objects and stories from The Novium Museum's collection, visitors can discover how local people have created goods throughout history, from prehistoric flint tools made for survival to modern products manufactured for local and national markets.
The exhibition showcases the evolution of traditional skills and industries, including leather tanning and brickmaking. Featured displays include leather goods from Westgate Tannery and a miniature handmade brick from Chidham. It also highlights the ongoing contribution of local makers, craftspeople, and manufacturers, who continue to support the economy, preserve heritage skills, and provide alternatives to mass-produced products.
To reflect the diversity of local creativity, the museum plans to refresh the exhibits throughout the exhibition's run, allowing more artists, makers, and manufacturers to be featured. Visitors are also encouraged to share their own memories, knowledge, and connections to local making traditions.
Made in Chichester District is the latest exhibition in The Novium Museum's first-floor foyer gallery, which hosts smaller displays and community co-curated projects.
Councillor John Cross, Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport and Place at Chichester District Council, said the exhibition celebrates the area's long history of innovation and creativity while encouraging residents to contribute their own stories to help preserve the district's heritage for future generations.
Admission is free, with donations welcome.
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