Unlocking Water’s Story

"We're looking at a slightly different way of sharing our collections and knowledge. Rather than simply moving exhibitions around the country as we did before the internet, we're using objects, people, practical demonstrations and short films to tell water stories that can travel anywhere."

Once affectionately called ‘TC’s’ by Gladys May Roberts and Mary Owen, The Collections trace their origins back to a 19th-century family endeavour. Passed into the care of Joyce Latham Elam, daughter of Gladys, these memorabilia – predominantly water-related, were first exhibited in their entirety at Aber Gwen Woollen Mill in Pencader, Wales, in the late 1970s.

Over their 100+ year history, The Collections have grown steadily and continue to captivate minds, inspiring discussions at fairs, events, school days and other educational initiatives.

Currently stored, these collections serve as a dynamic educational resource that holds stories of our global relationship with water, from historical ties to contemporary challenges.

Exhibited in diverse settings – from theatres to shop windows , The Collections are used to spotlight the urgency of addressing water-related concerns.

Today, many items from The Collections are showcased on our digital platforms, ensuring a global audience remains engaged in understanding the critical role of water in our shared future.

Through the planned WOW Water Centre and on joining Bloomberg Connects, these resources will be leveraged to educate and inspire a broader audience about the complexities of water issues, facilitating collaboration and innovation in water management practices.

If you have an object, a story, a demonstration or an idea that reveals an interesting connection with water, come and have a chat with us. We may be able to turn it into something that reaches far beyond this screen.

Doors into the Next Layer of the Story

‘The Collections’ of WoW / Background

First Published:  2024-03-05
Update ref: iwac/b  2025-06-18