The History of
LOCKS and LOCKSMITHING
Museum
Curator:
Brian Morland
curator@morlands.demon.co.uk
The History of |
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The History and Development of the Lock and Key. The lock and key to most people is a mysterious object, we put all our trust and faith into it when we lock the front door or lock up the safe. Even though we religiously follow this ritual, often many times each day, few are fully aware of what mechanical forces have been activated, but we have fulfilled a very fundamental psychological need. We go about our daily routines in the knowledge that our homes and possessions are safe. We have performed the ritual of locking up. Archaeology is gaining in popularity. TV programs and films, like, on the one hand Time Team and on the other Indiana Jones have done much to capture the imagination and inspire. In the field of Industrial Archaeology or Industrial History, Locks and Keys are no less worthy of attention. In fact its sometimes said that the craft of the locksmith is the second oldest profession! Certainly mans possessions have always been coveted and therefore the need to keep them secure has been a necessity from the earliest times. The study of locks and keys is a specialised sector of Industrial Archaeology. Not only does it look at the various ways in which a mechanical device achieves its aim but also says something about the basic need on the one hand to protect and secure property and possessions, but it also reminds us of another, darker, aspect of the human instinct. These fascinating aspects are what these virtual Lock Museum pages are all about and will hopefully bring some of the mysterious objects of the locksmiths' art alive. To this end the project not only attempts to gather and display the beautiful and ingenious items of metalwork but also books, manuscripts, catalogues, and other printed matter on the subject. We all know the analogy of a grain of sand doesn't make a beach... but hopefully with enough snippets of information a more complete picture can be built, understood and enjoyed. We especially acknowledge and are gratefull to the many individuals that have helped and contributed. Please feel free to make contact via the e-mail links provided with enquiries, or if you can, add, correct or comment in any way. Brian Morland brian@morlands.demon.co.uk A note about copyright. This project represents considerable time and effort, please therefore respect our work. Permission is given to download for personal, non-commercial use only - no permission is given for commercial use of either the text or pictures. If you like what you see here then please link to our site. |  1749 - 1814 Patentee of a locking principal that didn't rely on fixed wards or complicated shapes.  1819 - 1887 Author of "The Locksmiths Bible" .  1797 - 1857 Developed and miniaturised the ancient wooden Egyptian peglock into the now familiar "Yale" lock. |
We are preparing the collection for a UK tour commencing spring 2010. Watch this space for confirmed venues or contact us if you would like a 'Hosting Details' information pack. Venues to include, Museums and Galleries, Corporate Receptions and Tourist Centres. Confirmed Exhibitions
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