Challenge of Materials

Gold is a yellow precious metal that has always been one of the most valued materials. Not only is it rare, but it can be exposed to the atmosphere for a long time without tarnishing, and can be repeatedly melted without much loss in weight. Gold, an

• Gold statue, depicting a female with long hair and her hands resting on her chest, Inca, 15th - 16th century

Recycled PVC wellington boot, 1991

• Recycled wellington boot, 1991.

Carbon fibre 1965, in glass tube, B24 Quickfit stoppered, labelled: "1st sample of carbon fibres made by Courtaulds heat treated at R.A.E. for 1 hour at 2500 degree C. on 15.9.65 ( signed) W. Watt CPM Dept RAE"

• Carbon fibre, 1965.

Pill box made from the first pound of polyethylene in 1936 at ICI, Research Department. Presented to Mr. Frank Bebbington, one of the research team

• Polythene pill box, 1936.

• Hydrogen fuel cell

Walking stick made of cream coloured polythene produced in the Wallerscote Pilot Plant of Imperial Chemical Industries, ltd., December 1938, England

• Polythene walking stick, 1938.

Samples of casein, made by Erinoid, c. 1930.

• Display card of samples of casein plastic, c. 1930s. Tradename "Erinoid".

Silver lady's companion composed of a thimble, bobbin, patch-box, vinaigrette and needle case, engraved decoration possibly late 18th century. Silver is a white noble metal which is very malleable and ductile. Pure silver is usually too soft to use a

• Silver lady's companion composed of a thimble, bobbin, patch-box, vinaigrette and needle case, engraved decoration possibly late 18th century

"Sqezy" bottle with two metal ends, the first squeeze to use detergent pack 1958, Cascelloid

• Cascelloid plastic 'Sqezy' washing-up liquid bottle, 1958.

• Titanium aluminide ingot