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    Wiltshire Museum > Exhibitions > Wiltshire Museum > Exhibition Galleries > Piper Gallery > Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex

Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex

Un/Common People is a major exhibition that celebrates the vibrant folk art and seasonal customs of Wessex, both past and present. It redefines the traditional meaning of the term ‘commoner’ by showcasing the extraordinary creativity of folk art, crafted by self-taught artists and makers.

The exhibition features a remarkable collection of more than 100 objects from Wessex Museums, the Museum of British Folklore and private lenders. Highlights include a handcrafted Wiltshire sweetheart pin cushion made by a World War I veteran, a rare ship crafted entirely from straw linking to Poole’s maritime heritage, and a poignant portrait by a Nigerian artist created while seeking asylum in Swindon.

Complementing the objects on display is a newly commissioned folk song and story map, films and photography that capture the Wessex folk calendar, from the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge to the May Day celebrations in Cerne Abbas. This exhibition showcases how Wessex’s folk traditions have been embraced, reimagined, and enriched over time, blending traditional crafts with modern customisations.

Each museum will display additional objects from their own collections and platform new folk art, co-created with local communities and artists offering fresh perspectives on what folk means to Wessex people today.  Objects unique to the Wiltshire Museum exhibition will be also be displayed, including a 'sweetheart' cushion, and iron cello and artwork from a community project.

Complementing the objects on display is a newly commissioned folk song and story map, films and photography that capture the Wessex folk calendar, from the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge to the May Day celebrations in Cerne Abbas.

This exhibition showcases how Wessex’s folk traditions have been embraced, reimagined, and enriched over time, blending traditional crafts with modern customisations.

External Curators, Simon Costin, Mellany Robinson (The Museum of British Folklore), and Amy de la Haye (London College of Fashion), said: “Together, we have searched the archives of the Wessex partner museums in search of objects that tell local, political, expected and entirely unexpected stories to reframe the rich heritage and vibrant present day folk cultures for modern audiences. 

“The Museum of British Folklore has also lent exhibits, including sweetheart pin cushions made by First World War veterans. 

“We anticipate visitors being delighted and surprised by the variety of exhibits we have framed as folk art and practices, including ancient shoes hidden in old buildings and customised skateboards!” 

Films

Enjoy watching five seasonal folk customs captured on film by Create Studios, highlighting unique traditions across the year - click here to view the films (opens in an external website).

Folk story and song map

An interactive map exploring folk tales from across the region. Discover a song and a story from each area where Wessex Museums are located, covering Dorset and Wiltshire.  Click here to see the Folk story and song map (opens in an external website).

Linked Events

Find more exciting exhibition-linked events here.

Community Activity: Nanglo Weaving Project

The Nanglo Weaving project was a joint enterprise between the Nepali Ladies Craft group in Tidworth, Wiltshire Museum, and weaver Mollie McMillen.

The project was formed when the craft group were shown pictures of different forms of folk art from Wiltshire and they were particularly inspired by basket making in Wessex. They explained that they would love to learn how to make a traditional Nepali “nanglo”, which is a woven flat woven basket used for winnowing and sieving, but is also used today as a serving tray for food. Like Wessex baskets, these nanglos are primarily used in rural areas of Nepal. Whilst making these baskets the ladies commented that they had a new respect for the makers as “it is not as easy as it looks”.

Working on the Naglos. Photo by Ash Mills

Wessex Museums

Wessex Museums is a thriving partnership of museums across Dorset and Wiltshire – Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Lydiard House Museum, Poole Museum, STEAM – the Museum of the Great Western Railway, Museum & Art Swindon, The Salisbury Museum and Wiltshire Museum.

Our purpose is to build resilience and relevance of the museums in our partnership and across the region. Our mission is to connect, inspire and add value to people’s lives. Through our website we share learning, resources and inspiration across the wider museums and arts sector.

The exhibition runs at Wiltshire Museum from Saturday 5 April to Saturday 6 September 2025

  • Summer Opening Times: 10 am to 5 pm (Monday to Saturday)
  • Before making your journey, please check the Visit Us page for details of potential changes to these times, e.g. Bank Holidays.

Entry to the exhibition is included in your admission ticket.  Tickets cost from £8.50 (concessions available).  Free for under 18s

Acknowledgments

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