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Prosthetic leg and curry among museum's collection

Chris Wardle A prosthetic leg laying on a table Chris Wardle
The leg was selected by curators to increase the museum's representation of Liverpool's amputee community

A prosthetic leg, a spice blend tin and a footprint preserved from more than 8,000 years ago are just some of the items collected this year at the Museum of Liverpool.

The more unusual items form part of the museum's permanent collection which aims to showcase Liverpool's cultural heritage.

Although not all items will go on display, all form part of the museum's archives telling the story of Liverpool's rich and diverse history.

Kay Jones, curator at the museum, said the wide-ranging collection reflected the changing history of the city.

She said: "We consider what an object can reveal about the history of the city and what important personal stories it can tell to help us connect our communities, past and present.

"Without the support and contribution of the people of Liverpool our collections simply would not exist."

Chris Wardle An old-fashioned white brass accordion on a white-cloth table. The accordion has red and white floral decorations on it and 'Toscano Brothers and representatives' is written along it.Chris Wardle
An old accordion was acquired to help tell the story of Liverpool's Italian community

Among the items is a prosthetic leg, acquired from Amputees and Carers Support in Liverpool (ACSIL), and donated by the charity's chairperson, Bobby Hodgson.

It was selected to increase the museum's representation of Liverpool's amputee community.

Mr Hodgson said the leg was designed for use when swimming but it was "too heavy" so he would often float on his back without wearing it.

Chris Wardle A small rectangular tin, with a navy sticker on the front, with yellow writing which reads 'Matta's International Foods celebrating 40 years, special blend curry powder'.Chris Wardle
Museum of Liverpool chose this item to represent Matta's long history in the city, providing diverse food to a wide range of customers

A 1970s cocktail menu belonging to a pub called Legs of Man, which stood next to Liverpool Lime Street before it was demolished, is also among the collection.

A celebration of the city's culinary history is also showcased through the display of a spice tin.

World food shop Matta's released a special blend of curry powder to celebrate their 40th anniversary and the tin is displayed in the collection.

Chris Wardle A large footprint set in white stone. The footprint has four large toes.Chris Wardle
Prehistoric footprint casts are on display in the museum as part of a tactile display

Husband and wife Kirpal and Kanta Matta opened their shop on Bold Street on 27 July 1984 after moving from its initial home in Toxteth, which opened in 1965.

Also included in the museum's archaeology collection is a Mesolithic footprint.

The footprint dates back to Mesolithic people who lived in Merseyside more than 8,000 years ago.

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