Cannonball counterweight
Theatre Collection
One of the quirkier items within the Theatre Collection, this object has an extremely varied history. Initially said to have been used as a cannonball on the SS Great Britain, it was then utilised as a counterweight for scenery at the Theatre Royal Bristol. Holes were drilled through cannonballs to allow rope to pass through them. They were then threaded into rows to create the appropriate weight. A row of five cannonballs was needed to balance the house curtain. Cannonballs were in use at the Theatre Royal Bristol until the 1960s. This one was given to the Theatre Collection in 2008.
- Item reference: TCO/M/000015
- Photographer: Dave Newbury
- Copyright: University of Bristol
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