Cruel Beauty exhibition open for business

The exhibition that will help visitors discover the conflicting sides of historical objects will run until 6 January 2019.

The Cruel Beauty objects were made for dangerous intentions, but when you look at their craftsmanship they are truly beautiful.

Councillor Elaine Marper, cabinet member for Public Participation and Culture, said: “Cruel Beauty is a fascinating exhibition that explores a range of historical objects that were used for beauty, healthcare and crime and punishment.

“People will be able to discover a range of objects that were used years ago, which we would find quite surprising today.

“It is definitely an exhibition not to be missed and I’d encourage people to visit North Lincolnshire Museum and discover Cruel Beauty.”

Everyday objects of the past that were kept as curiosities or ornaments, such as taxidermy and carved ivories. Would you see their beauty or how they were produced?

In Victorian times their healthcare was very interesting, medicines and poisons were closely connected; used for pain and remedy.

Find out how much healthcare has changed over the years and explore the Victorian healthcare items including instruments for bloodletting and shock therapy.

Visitors will be able to see a selection of weapons including locally crafted firearms. Gruesome man traps will be on display, which you can see up close.

Some items that were used for beauty reasons will be on display such as ‘killer’ heels and super tight corsets.

Read and listen to locally committed crimes and their subsequent punishments, hard labour, deportation and the death penalty.

Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and Sunday 1pm to 4pm. Free entry.