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Journey of discovery begins as Cabinet of Curiosities exhibition tours local venues

Photo thanks to B. Arts

Residents across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to uncover the hidden stories of the River Trent through a unique travelling art exhibition opening this autumn.

The exhibition, centred around a striking Cabinet of Curiosities created by B. Arts and communities in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent, showcases an extraordinary collection of found objects and created artworks gathered (and inspired) by Staffordshire's Trent River catchment. From intriguing fragments of everyday life to items shaped by decades of river flow, each object offers a glimpse into the history, people, wildlife and changing landscape connected to one of the UK's most important river systems. 

The exhibition will open at Biddulph Library on 5 October 2026 before travelling to libraries, cultural venues and community spaces across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent throughout the following year. 

Visitors are encouraged to look closely, ask questions and imagine the stories behind the objects on display, helping to reveal the rich connections between people, place and nature along the River Trent. 

A cabinet full of stories 

Developed by B. Arts, as part of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's Trent Valley Past & Present project, the Cabinet of Curiosities brings together a fascinating collection of items recovered from locations throughout the Trent catchment area. Each object has been carefully selected to spark curiosity and conversation about the river's cultural, environmental and social significance. 

The exhibition aims to encourage people of all ages to see the river in a new way, exploring how waterways connect communities, shape landscapes and influence local history. 

Susan Kneill-Boxley, Community Organiser for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, says: 

"Thanks to local community groups and B. Arts, people across Staffordshire will be able to experience a different connection with the River Trent through artwork. Whether visitors are passionate about local history, interested in art, curious about nature, or simply looking for something different to do, the exhibition offers a chance to discover unexpected treasures and unique stories from across the Trent catchment." 

Through a blend of creativity, history and environmental storytelling, the exhibition celebrates the unique character of the river and invites people to reflect on their own connections to the places and waterways around them. 

Rebecca Frankenberg, Co-Director at B. ARTS, says: 

"The project has been an exciting opportunity to explore the stories and heritage of the Trent with local people in a really creative and unique way. Over 100 residents in Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent ranging in age from 8 to 83 have helped us shape the content of the cabinet - focusing on the Trent stories that are important to them. Whether that's young people wanting to protect the river from harm, residents sharing the heritage of their town or people reflecting on the transformative power of being by the river. We are really excited to share this unique exhibition and hope everyone who visits finds their own way to connect to the river." 

More information can be found on the b-arts website:
https://www.b-arts.org.uk/trent-valley-cabinet-of-curiosities 

This project is made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A peek inside a cabinet fashioned to look like drift wood

Photo Thanks to B. Arts

Editor's Notes

About the project 

Trent Valley Past & Present is an inspiring two-year cultural heritage project taking place in the Staffordshire Trent Valley. Led by Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the project is exploring the millennia-long relationship between people and the landscapes of the River Trent and its tributaries through hands-on archaeology, historical research, and the sharing of local folklore, stories and history, individuals and groups will discover new ways to interpret and celebrate their shared past. 

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, is the leading nature conservation body in Staffordshire. We have protected the wildlife and wild places of Staffordshire since 1969. We carry out conservation projects all over the county to protect and restore our special landscapes and wildlife. Our vision is to create a Staffordshire where nature thrives and inspires. 

Working with partners and communities is a key part of our work to improve the wider landscape to make it a better place for wildlife. Bringing people and wildlife together in harmony is critical. We educate people on wildlife and create opportunities for people to get close to nature and feel inspired by their local wild places. Offering volunteering, educational and activities is a big part of our work. 

About B. Arts 

B. ARTS is an artist-led arts and educational charity set up in 1985 to provide access to the arts for those who faced barriers to engagement. B.ARTS has been based in North Staffordshire for over 40 years and has worked all over the world. We co-create moments of fun, surprise, delight and joy empowering local people to find their own creativity. 

B.ARTS is an Arts Council England NPO and is supported by a range of trusts, organisations, partners and funders including The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston, and The Baring Foundation.

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