19th century Eskimo gifts preserved for future years

The exhibits, many of which date from the 1800s, include a range of items, from delicately carved children’s toys to kayaks, and were largely made from whalebone, walrus and sealskin.

Although some may have had a little attention when they were moved to the museum in the 1970s, others are getting their first spruce up since they arrived in the city in the 19th century.

The painstaking work is being carried out by Becky Helliwell, 26, who has a master’s degree in the conservation of historical objects from Lincoln University. She said: “It’s a great collection and really interesting for me to work on; there’s a really nice mix of materials.”

Many of the objects are from the Davis Strait area between Canada and Greenland and were brought back to the city by whalers after exchanging gifts with the Innuit.

Robin Diaper, curator of maritime and social history at Hull Museums, said: “It’s not making stuff new and bone-shiny; it’s getting rid of dirt and making sure it doesn’t deteriorate in the future. They will still look old but will be much more stable and will last for several more centuries, hopefully.”

The pieces are expected to be back on show later this year.