If objects could speak, what stories would they tell? Many museums and galleries hold rich and varied collections, though often only a fraction of exhibits can be displayed at any one time while the rest lie dormant in mysterious vaults, waiting to be discovered. First Time Out is an initiative that brings new perspectives to museum objects by placing them in different contexts.

In 2011, five London museums each exchanged carefully selected pieces from their collections that had rarely or never previously been seen by the public and presented them with a range of different interpretations, from the cultural to the scientific.

In 2013, curators from ten museums and galleries across the country have scoured the depths of their collections to reveal a selection of uniquely varied and extraordinary treasures, from the very first light bulb to a model guillotine built from leftover rations by prisoners of war. Each object will be showcased in its original setting before travelling to a partner location to be encountered by different audiences, and surrounded by a completely different set of references.

By shining a spotlight on individual items, First Time Out creates connections between objects, people and locations, whilst exploring the wonders of our national treasure troves.

Participating locations:

The Horniman Museum, London and Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford

Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and Lightbox, Woking

Science Museum, London and Tyne and Wear Archives, Newcastle

The Natural History Museum, London and Peterborough Museum, Peterborough

Wellcome Collection, London and Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire