Cheadle library will host a travelling exhibition exploring rural and village life across Staffordshire from Tuesday 9 February to Tuesday 23 March 2027. The "Among the Footpaths and Fields" exhibition features historic records, photographs and objects from the county's collections, including items such as a coachbuilder's traveller, horse hair clipper and milk can. The exhibition explores everyday experiences and traditions that have shaped village communities over hundreds of years.
Staffordshire County Council has organised the travelling format to make these collections more accessible to residents across the county. The exhibition will visit selected libraries across South Staffordshire and the Staffordshire Moorlands over a 12-month period. The council says the travelling approach aims to help residents connect with their local history.
Exhibition Tour Schedule Across Staffordshire
The exhibition begins its tour in Kinver in June 2026 and will end in Leek in July 2027. Cheadle is one of the selected locations on this touring schedule, positioned in the middle of the tour period. The county council has staggered visits to different libraries to allow as many residents as possible across the region to view the collection without travelling long distances.
By bringing the exhibition to local libraries rather than requiring residents to visit a single central venue, Staffordshire County Council aims to reduce barriers to accessing heritage collections. The touring format recognises that many people in rural and village areas may find it difficult to travel to distant museums or heritage centres. Libraries serve as familiar community spaces where residents already visit for other services.
What the Exhibition Contains
The collection includes everyday objects and historical materials that illustrate rural Staffordshire life across centuries. A coachbuilder's traveller—a tool used in the coach-building trade—sits alongside a horse hair clipper and a milk can. These items represent the working lives and domestic activities of people in village communities. Historic photographs and written records complement the physical objects, providing context and personal stories.
For Cheadle residents, the exhibition offers a direct opportunity to explore and learn about the heritage of their own region without needing to travel elsewhere. The objects and records on display reflect the kinds of activities and traditions that shaped communities like Cheadle itself. The exhibition is free to access during Cheadle library's normal opening hours throughout the two-month visit.
What to Expect During the Exhibition Period
Residents interested in visiting should plan to come to Cheadle library between 9 February and 23 March 2027. The specific opening hours for the exhibition will follow the library's standard schedule. The exhibition will occupy space within the library during this period, allowing visitors to view the items and materials at their own pace.
For more information about the exhibition, opening times, or to plan a visit, residents should contact Cheadle library directly or check updates from Staffordshire County Council. The council has organised this travelling exhibition as part of its commitment to making heritage collections accessible across all areas of the county, ensuring that residents in smaller towns and villages have the same opportunity to engage with Staffordshire's history as those in larger centres.