Knebworth House’s Teddy the Teddy has been named Hertfordshire Museum Object of the Year 2026

Published: 06 Mar 2026

Following this year's public vote a well-loved teddy belonging to Cameron Cobbold, 1st Baron Cobbold, has won this year's public vote to become the Hertfordshire Museum Object of the Year 2026.

Over 4500 people voted for their object of the year from a choice of twenty three artefacts nominated by museums across Hertfordshire.

The awards, run by the Hertfordshire Association of Museums, took place in the Monitorial Hall at the British Schools Museum in Hitchin on 4 March.

Cllr Chris Lucas, Executive Member for Resources and Performance at Hertfordshire County Council said:

"It was a real pleasure to be part of this year's Hertfordshire Association of Museums Awards. The passion and creativity shown by our museums never fails to inspire me, and today's event was a wonderful celebration of everything they contribute to our communities. Our museums play a vital role in preserving Hertfordshire's heritage, supporting wellbeing, and bringing people together, and it was fantastic to see so many projects, objects and individuals recognised for their hard work and dedication."

Julie Gregson, Head of Heritage Services at Hertfordshire County Council said:

"The Hertfordshire Association of Museums Awards are a wonderful way to showcase the creativity and commitment of our museum teams. Through the Museums Development Service we're proud to support their work and help them continue delivering inspiring experiences across the county."

Runners-up included:

North Hertfordshire Museum's Dea Nutrix (the Nursing Goddess), a small white pipeclay figure, which was discovered in the grave of a Roman child in Baldock. Crafted in the kilns of Central Gaul during the second century, she depicts a seated mother nursing her child

Dacorum Heritage's 1967 Ovaltine Calendar - A striking example of mid-20th-century marketing design, perfectly capturing the spirit of the 1960s, was created as a promotional gift for sales representatives and businesses stocking Ovaltine.

Other award winners were:

Creative Health Award: North Herts Museum

Engagement Award: Garden City Collection AND St Albans Museum + Gallery

Innovation Award: Lowewood Museum

Environmental Sustainability Award: Royston Museum

Heritage Hero Awards were presented to staff and volunteers from museums across the county to recognise the wonderful work they have done supporting museums and communities.

Find out more about museums in Hertfordshire at Hertfordshire Association of Museums | Hertfordshire County Council