Classification - for searching the Cuming collection only. If you choose 'is' you can access a list of the groups the Cuming objects are arranged into. For example 'shoes' or 'hats' will come under the Costume classification.
Culture - helpful for locating worldwide and ancient objects in the Cuming collection. Culture includes terms such as 'Zulu', 'Ancient Egypt' and 'Maori'.
Department - allows you to limit your search to one or the main collections: Cuming, Local History Library or Southwark Art Collection.
Description - useful for the widest possible search results. For example, a search for the word 'lace' will access all the objects and images that are made from, include or feature lace. You can widen your search by selecting the Thesaurus tick box.
Geographical terms - if you choose 'is' you will access a list of the countries and regions that are connected with the objects on the database. You can widen your search by selecting the Thesaurus tick box. This will connect your search with many other related place names and main regions.
Medium - use this field if you want to search for objects made from a type of material, such as 'ivory' or 'bronze'.
Number - use this field if you know the identification number for an object, picture or work of art.
People - for objects and images connected with a famous person or a work of art by a specific artist.
People nationality - as above but also searches by the person's nationality.
Period - to search by time periods such as 'Tudor', 'Victorian' or 'Bronze Age'.
Subjects - this field is available for the Local History Library and Southwark Art collection records. You can access the drop down list of related subjects by choosing 'is'.
Title - this field is available for the Local History Library and Southwark Art collection records. If you only know part of the title, choose 'contains' and select the Thesaurus tick box.
For more detailed instructions on browsing the collection see the button "Help" on the left navigation menu bar.The help page gives detailed instructions on how to use the database.