FIVE objects from museums and galleries across the Bradford district, including the taxidermied remains of the first Airedale Terrier, have been selected to be part of a new project aimed at showcasing the best of the North.

The ‘A History of the North in 100 Objects’ project, which is part of the Great Exhibition of the North, aims to showcase the pioneering spirit and impact of the North of England’s inventors, artists, scientists and designers.

The objects chosen from the Bradford district were all nominated by staff from Bradford Council’s Museums and Galleries Service and include Bloss the dog, from Cliffe Castle Museum, The piano of acclaimed musician Delius, from Bolling Hall’s collection, the Hattersley looms, Thomas Hood’s poem ‘The Song of the Shirt’ and a pattern book from Salt’s Mill.

Bloss the dog was the very first example of an Airedale Terrier. The breed was the result of crossing a number of sporting dogs over several years and was initiated by Bingley resident Thomas Foster. Bloss was born in 1887 and her taxidermied remains are currently on display at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley.

Delius's Piano is thought to be the one that the Bradford born composer and internationally renowned musician learned to play on and was purchased for the collection at the Bradford Council-run Bolling Hall.

Hatterslsey looms, developed by George Hattersley and Sons of Keighley, revolutionised the production of worsted and synthetics. Though the first loom was produced in 1834, it was never delivered as it was smashed up in transit by a group of 'Luddite' handloom weavers fearful for their livelihood. The innovative textile development enabled the cheap mass production of 'luxury' clothing for the average person and you can still buy fabric woven on Hattersley looms today.

The poem 'Song of the Shirt' by Thomas Hood was an enduring symbol for social reform at the turn of the 19th century and was the inspiration for a painting by Bradford artist Albert Rutherston. The poem which includes the lines "Oh, men, with sisters dear! Oh, men, with mothers and wives! It is not linen you're wearing out, but human creatures' lives!" is a social commentary about the plight of female workers, pay, and working conditions, and although so much has improved, it still resonates today.

Salt's pattern book was produced for the original 'Great Industrial Exhibition' in 1853 the same year that Sir Titus Salt built the industrial model village of Saltaire. Sir Titus Salt was the top producer of alpaca wool and Queen Victoria herself sent her alpaca wool to Salt's mill to be woven in to this luxurious fabric. Saltaire is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “I am delighted that five objects from our district have been chosen for this exciting exhibition. The objects themselves are very representative of the district's history, creativity and its character."

The project was launched this week, and the objects and the stories behind them can be viewed www.100objectsnorth.co.uk.