Vote for the 100th Object - A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects

Help select the 100th Object for Northampton Museum & Art Gallery's exhibition A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects. Check out the details of the 5 possible objects nominated by the public before voting to select which one you feel best tells a story about the county in the 21st century.

Voting closes on the 31st March 2025 and the object with the most votes will take pride of place as the 100th object in the exhibition this September.

These 5 objects were nominated by members of the public as potential 100th Objects ...

Question Title

* 1. Please choose the object you would like to see as the 100th object in the exhibition this September.

Corby Processions Banner

Created in 2018 for PROCESSIONS, a national project marking 100 years of Votes for Women, this banner embodies Corby’s activist spirit. Designed by Northamptonshire artists Carole Miles & Phiona Richards, as part of a Made by Many commission, it was crafted with local women, including Corby’s first female steelworks trade union rep. Featuring violets, a suffrage symbol, it bears two powerful messages: “Women Together Will Change the World” (from the youngest participant) and “Deeds Not Words”—the historic Suffragette and Corby motto.

The Corby Processions Banner captures the resilient, forward-thinking spirit of Corby and Northamptonshire in the 21st century. As a symbol of unity and activism, it honours the county’s steel industry roots and ongoing fight for women’s rights. Celebrating the county’s history, the banner stands as a testament to Northamptonshire communities continuing strength and progress.

Play Off trophy 2020 - Northampton Town Football Club

Northampton Town FC Play Off Trophy 2020

Won at Wembley in June 2020, this League 2 play-off trophy won by Northampton Town Football Club marks a unique moment in football history — the first ever won behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.

Beyond the pitch, the trophy became a symbol of community spirit, playing a key role in the club’s Tackling Loneliness project, supporting Northamptonshire during lockdown. A true testament to the county’s 21st century resilience, both on and off the field.

Dr. Martens Vegan Boots

Made in Northamptonshire since 1960, the iconic Dr. Martens footwear brand started life as a sturdy work boot before becoming a symbol of subcultures, musicians, and free thinkers worldwide.

Revitalised in the 2000s, production of handmade Dr. Marten boots returned to Northampton, and the style has continued to evolve in the 21st century with new styles including a Vegan boot — losing the leather but keeping the rebellious and Northamptonshire non-conformist spirit.

Diwali Festival Lantern

Now in its 25th year, the annual Diwali lights festival in Northampton with its spectacular procession featuring giant puppets including a mechanical elephant and lanterns made by local school children is a celebration of the Hindu festival of Diwali that marks the triumph of light over darkness.

From humble beginnings in 2000 when Diwali lights were added to a Christmas tree in Northampton town centre, the event is now the biggest festival of its kind in Northamptonshire and a Diwali lantern made by local school children represents the bringing together of diverse communities from across the county.

Binty Chick

Known as Binty chicks, the brightly coloured chickens painted on dustbins, garage doors and sheds across Northamptonshire first appeared in 2021. Created by local anonymous graffiti artist “Binty Bint”, Northampton’s own Banksy, they have rapidly become a feature of the local urban environment.

These bright and happy graffiti artworks have become for some a symbol of the town and county. “Its like seeing the lift tower from the motorway. After a long car journey when I see the one on the bus shelter in Harpole, I know that I am home”.

Vote for the 100th Object - A History of Northamptonshire in 100 Objects

Question Title

* 1. Please choose the object you would like to see as the 100th object in the exhibition this September.

Question Title

* 2. Please feel free to add any comment regarding your choice or reasons for selecting the object.