The little things of lockdown: Museums tell Covid story with everyday objects

We will remember the big stuff but, for most of us, this pandemic will be recalled through small things that mean so much

In years to come, when coronavirus is, hopefully, a distant memory, what will you remember from Covid-19?

Museums across the country are already collating exhibitions of the everyday objects that tell the story of life during the pandemic, from disposable masks and gloves to children’s rainbow banners. And, when lockdown is over, they’re hoping to gather personal items that tell the story of the people’s lockdown.

Sophie Goggins, curator of biomedical science at National Museums Scotland, said: “Collecting objects from the present day has been core to the development of the national collection over the last 200 years.

“Today, we collect things that highlight change and continuity, and show the ways in which the present continually reshapes our understanding of Scotland and the world. “Covid-19 is one of the biggest challenges to society in living memory, and the reactions to it shine a light on how we live and work today. We are approaching individuals and organisations with a view to collecting a targeted selection of objects that reflect the impact of the virus.”

The national collection will include a pair of knitted hearts from the From The Heart project, designed to connect loved ones who can’t see one another during the shutdown. It is the brainchild of Liz Smith, an intensive care nurse at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, who put out a call on Facebook to ask people to knit, or sew, pairs of small, palm-sized hearts.

One heart is placed next to the patient, or in their hand, and the other is sent to the family or loved ones of the patient with a note explaining the scheme. While they are apart physically, the hearts help them feel connected to their loved ones. Since the scheme was announced, more than 2,000 hearts have been received at the hospital to be used by patients and their loved ones.

The Sunday Post spoke to four people about the objects that will stay for them when this is all over.