KEIGHLEY's favourite crossbreed dog has been chosen to feature in the Great Exhibition of the North.

The stuffed body of Bloss, the first-ever example of an Airedale terrier, has for many years been exhibited at Cliffe Castle Museum.

Now she will be showcased to the wider world via the Internet amongst treasures drawn from across the North of England.

Also on show will be Hattersley looms, which were developed in Keighley and revolutionised the wool industry.

Bloss and the looms are two of the five objects nominated by staff of Bradford Museums and Galleries Service.

The ‘A History of the North in 100 Objects’ project, which is part of the Great Exhibition of the North, aims to showcase the pioneering spirit and impact of the North of England’s inventors, artists, scientists and designers.

The project sets out to illustrate the richness that comes from this region and its peoples, such as the creation of railways, a flourishing artistic life, the drive for social reform, and the sheer breadth and depth of world renowned inventions.

Airedale terriers were the result of crossing a number of sporting dogs over several years and were initiated by local resident Thomas Foster.

Bloss was born in 1887 and her taxidermied remains are currently on display at Cliffe Castle Museum in Keighley.

Hattersley looms, developed by George Hattersley and Sons of Keighley, revolutionised the production of worsted and synthetics.

Though the first loom was produced in 1834, it was never delivered as it was smashed up in transit by a group of ‘Luddite’ handloom weavers fearful for their livelihood.

The innovative textile development enabled the cheap mass production of ‘luxury’ clothing for the average person and people can still underline buy fabric woven on Hattersley looms today.

The other items are Delius’s Piano, Thomas Hood’s poem ‘The Song of the Shirt’, and a pattern book from Salt’s Mill.

Delius’s Piano is thought to be the one that the Bradford born composer and internationally renowned musician learned to play on and was bought for the collection at the Bradford Council-run Bolling Hall.

The poem ‘Song of the Shirt’ by Thomas Hood was an enduring symbol for social reform at the turn of the 19th century and was the inspiration for a painting by Bradford artist Albert Rutherston.

The poem which includes the lines "Oh, men, with sisters dear! Oh, men, with mothers and wives! It is not linen you're wearing out, human creatures' lives!”, is a social commentary about the plight of female workers, pay, and working conditions, and is said to still resonate today.

Salt’s pattern book was produced for the original ‘Great Industrial Exhibition’ in 1853, the same year that Sir Titus Salt built the industrial model village of Saltaire. Sir Titus Salt was the top producer of alpaca wool and Queen Victoria herself sent her alpaca wool to Salt’s mill to be woven in to this luxurious fabric. Saltaire is now a UNESCO world heritage site.

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy People and Places, said: “I am delighted that five objects from our district have been chosen for this exciting exhibition. The objects themselves are very representative of the district’s history, creativity and its character.”

A History of the North in 100 Objects was launched earlier this month as part of Great Exhibition of the North, which runs from June 22 to September 9. It is funded by the National Lottery and was developed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums.

Visit 100objectsnorth.co.uk to view the objects .

People are invited to curate their own collection by saving up to 10 objects into a personal ‘exhibition’ which can then be shared via social media. People can vote for their favourite exhibits.