Campaign to buy Honiton artefact at auction for museum curator and 'community stalwart'

A community fundraising campaign has begun to buy an antique Honiton Town Boundary sign, being sold by Chilcotts Auction House in Honiton.

The aim is to secure the item for the Curator at Allhallows Museum in Honiton, Margaret Lewis B.E.M, to add to the collection on display.

Watch a virtual tour of the museum when Honiton Nub News visited last year.

Chair of Honiton Forward, Duncan Sheridan-Shaw commented: "Liz and Duncan Chilcott, of Chilcotts Auction House, recently announced they have an amazing Honiton Town Boundary sign coming up for auction.

"They were looking for some information about the item and the significance of the town crest.

"Local museum's curator and community stalwart Margaret Lewis was one of many that gave an exceptional review of the piece and she also stated how much she hoped for a similar piece for the town's museum.

"This got me thinking, how could Honiton Forward help?

"How could the community get involved and support our local museum? Boom – crowdfunding!

"So within a few moments after posting my idea on Facebook I had pledges of over £200!

"Honiton Forward is over the moon to be able to put feet to the floor and dig in and get enough money to be able to win the sign for the museum!

"If you would like to make a donation towards the sign - please click the link below and state Honiton sign as a reference.

"If the purchase is successful and there is a surplus Honiton Forward would donate the remainder to Allhallows Museum.

"Likewise if we are unsuccessful Honiton Forward would still donate the final sum raised to the museum, to help secure them through the Covid-19 situation."

Click here to donate.

Chilcotts Auctioneers and Valuers inspired the campaign, with the following post on social media attached to a photo of the sign:

"We are puzzled by part of the symbolism of the Honiton Town seal on this Honiton Town Boundary sign - please help us!

"We know that the glove refers to the the ancient 'Glove is up' custom whereby during the Honiton Charter Fair special rules applied regarding who was allowed to trade in the town and what rights and privileges they had; while the glove was held high on a pole no man could be arrested!

"However, we have no idea what the images of the strange floating woman and the other pregnant lady allude to - information sought please!"

Margaret Lewis responded: "The Annunciation - hand of God, Virgin Mary, Angel Gabriel and the Madonna lily."

Chilcotts added: "The sign, taken down over 30 years ago, is for sale on September 5 - estimate £200-300 plus premium."