Here's an exhibit from the current show 'Mudlarks and the River Thames', which has just opened at the Museum of Miniature Found Objects. The clay tobacco pipe industry began in England in the 1570s, and until about 1650 London was where most of these pipes were made. 'Mudlarks and the River Thames' was given a triumphal opening by the Pipe Smokers' Guild of Great Britain, who gave their famous 'Fifty Meerschaum Salute'. This was particularly enjoyed by the Snake River Art Appreciation Society, Ohio, who were visiting the gallery at the time and many of whose members are enthusiastic pipe smokers.

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Found objects:

= fragment of barley sugar pipe stem: 1.15pm, Saturday 31 December, Custom House Quay, Lower Thames Street, central London;

= fragment of clay pipe stem: 11.43am, Wednesday 14 December 2011, Custom House Quay, Lower Thames Street, central London;
= pipe bowl: 11.48am, Wednesday 14 December 2011, Custom House Quay, Lower Thames Street, central London. 

On a recent trip to the Shetland Isles, the Education & Entertainments Committee of the Museum of Miniature Found Objects came across this striking sign on the Esplanade in Lerwick, Shetland's main town. Investigation by the committee revealed that the sign, on a former shoe shop, was used by the captain of the Aberdeen steamer to guide his vessel into dock, in the days before the new ferry terminal was built. However, the E&EC has subsequently been informed that this has not been substantiated, but delights in the tale nonetheless.

There were angry scenes at the Museum of Miniature Found Objects last night. Crowds had been gathering all day outside the museum in response to rumours that have been circulating in the past week. These rumours claim that the museum has forgeries on display, and name the Etruscan Lounge specifically. Tempers flared when the police were called, and there were a number of arrests after fist fights broke out between museum curators and members of the public. This scene, just before fighting broke out, was caught on camera by an onlooker. The crowd was finally dispersed in the early hours of the morning after a spokeswoman from the museum announced that the Serious Fraud Office will be conducting a full investigation into these allegations.

Hoxton doorway, London May 2010