Local man’s timeline to go on display at Salisbury Museum

A Westbury resident has created a historical timeline that will soon go on display at Salisbury Museum.

Jamie, who lives at Wellhead Lane, a care home in Westbury for adults with autism and additional needs, took part in a project designed to engage young people with disabilities in museums.

He completed a work placement at Salisbury Museum at the end of 2023, which allowed him to access the museum’s libraries and archives and explore their displays in depth.

During the placement, Jamie created a long timeline on scroll paper, covering history from the Neolithic period to modern times, including Greek, Roman and Medieval tools and weaponry – subjects that particularly interest him. Sharon Edney, manager of Wellhead Lane, said, “He produced a very long timeline on a huge strip of paper which looks very gothic and ancient; it looks like it should be out of an Indiana Jones movie!”

Jamie said, “I have mixed emotions about this. I am excited for people to see my work but also a bit nervous, as some people may not like it. All the artwork was drawn by me, and the words attached were my own, but written by someone else on my behalf.”

Jamie says that the project has inspired him to become more involved with history and museums. “I love old history, especially things like the Romans, Greeks and Medieval times. I have loved visiting historical places such as the Tower of London, the dungeons and old Medieval cave sites.”

Jamie’s display was delayed when Salisbury Museum closed for a major refurbishment, but the museum has now reopened, and his work will soon be exhibited to the public.