The Collections (affectionately known as T.C’s) have been utilized in a myriad of settings, including theatre and television shows, window displays, advertising campaigns, photo shoots, book design, exhibitions, literary festivals, school presentations, town trails, retail and wholesale promotions, dinner parties, children’s parties, study courses, stand-up comedy gigs, poetry slams, clue hunts, geocache trails, cookery demonstrations, performance art, films, art and craft therapy workshops, lectures, and numerous other events.

This rich history spans three centuries, initiated by Gladys May Roberts, continued by her daughter, Joyce L. Elam, and now preserved and celebrated by the charity World of Water.

Our commitment to making the Collections come alive is reflected in their diverse applications. Each item serves a purpose, providing an educational resource and fostering community engagement. From props in educational films to supporting research projects, the Collections enhance exhibitions and events, contribute to public meetings, and serve as engaging content for online resources.

The Collections play an integral role in water-themed events, decorating interactive learning spaces, and integrating into school partnerships and internship programs. Moreover, the Collections serve as seed items for citizen science programs, promoting awareness of local water quality, biodiversity, and environmental changes.

“Using The Collections brings them to life, giving them a real reason to exist. They’re not meant to sit around gathering dust; they thrive when they’re out and about, even if it means a bit of chaos sometimes, especially with excitable kids around. But the joy, wonder, and lasting memories they create make it all worth it. They’ll add a splash of magic to every occasion.”     (Joyce L. Elam 1922-2013. Co-Founder of World of Water. WOW)

Contributions to the The Collections welcome. Please read our Collections Policy for details.

Thank You.

Further Reading:

Historical Perspectives on Water: https://www.history.com/topics/nature/history-of-water

Water Heritage and its Significance: https://www.unesco.org/en/water/heritage

Engaging Communities through Art and Water Awareness: https://www.artforwater.org/community-engagement

Citizen Science and Water Quality Monitoring: https://www.citizenscience.org/water-quality-monitoring

Last updated: Jun 18, 2024
Ref: iwac/i/2303