Archives Drop-In: Animals!

Archives Drop-In: Animals!

Join Islington Archives for our monthly drop-in on the last Thursday of each month to explore displays from our unique local history collections.

To celebrate Islington Museum’s new temporary exhibition Animals! – this month’s drop-in will feature items that tell the furry-tale of Islington’s past.

In Islington, animals have been subjects (and objects) of entertainment, industry, labour, consumption and care. For hundreds of years, Islington was known as ‘cow-town’ and home to massive dairy and cattle industries. Animals of all-sorts also appeared in plays, circuses, and less-savoury sports.

But it is also where evolutions in animal welfare took place – most notably in 1860 Mary Tealby founded what later became the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home in Holloway. From the late 19th century various animal and ecological groups have been active in supporting the ethical treatment of animals from frogs to cats and everything in between.

This drop-in display will feature illustrations, photos, ephemera and press cuttings offering insight into Islington's non-human heritage. Explore unique archive material up close and at your own pace, with an archivist on hand to answer your questions.

There is no need to book a ticket - just drop-in between 3-6pm. And while you’re here, check out the new exhibition Animals! downstairs at Islington Museum, open until 5pm.

Image: Cattle in Laycock's dairy yard, circa 1840s

Second-hand book sale

We will also be holding a sale of second-hand books, including local history titles on topics such as football, performing arts, the Blitz, and social history. The perfect opportunity to discover your next read whilst supporting the work of Islington Heritage Service.

Please note that payment is cash only