The Jewish community in Britain has often been associated with particular trades. The museum’s collection includes material relating to medieval moneylenders, 18th century pedlars and boxers, 19th century financiers and politicians and 20th century tailors and bakers.
Single Treadle Sewing Machine
Singer sewing machine dated from around 1912. It was owned by a family in the East End and used for both commercial and private purposes.
Furrier’s Hand Tools
Furrier hand tools belonging to Matthew Shaw who was a furrier in the 1920s and 1930s. They would have been used to shape fox heads for the fox head fur stoles.
Medieval Tally Sticks
Tally sticks dating from the 13th century and related to the taxation of the medieval Jewish community in England
Thelma’s Doll House
Based on an actual house in Angmering-On-Sea, this modernist style doll’s house was made by Malcom Liblind for his daughter, Thelma.
Jewish National Fund Collecting Box, 1924
Collection box was made by the Jewish furniture firm S Hille in 1924 for Louis and Ada Krendel, who lived in the London suburb of Brondesbury.
Libseth Sokal’s Apron
Apron worn by Lisbeth Sokal, who came to Britain in 1938 as a refugee from Nazism. Lisbeth was granted a visa to work in Britain as a domestic servant.
Yiddish Typewriter
Yiddish typewriter belonged to the playwright Abish Meisels a central figure in the New Yiddish Theatre in Adler Street as a playwright and prompter.
Bristol Blue Glass Finger Bowl
Blue glass finger bowl, dating from the early 19th century, made in Bristol by Jacobs’ Glass. The company was founded in the late 18th century by Lazarus Jacobs and his son Isaac.
Silver Presentation Box
Silver presentation box, presented by the Glasgow Hebrew Community in November 1887 to Michael Simons, the first Jewish magistrate in Scotland.
Boris Bennetts Camera
Kodak “Big Bertha” camera, used by the well-known East End wedding photographer Boris Bennett
