Romance may not be the first thing elicited by a wood print, Earl’s carriage or washable condom, but for some couples these objects may form the foundation for the perfect partnership.

Maidstone Museum is offering 60 love birds with a crush on culture the chance take part in speed dating - with the added bonus of breaking the ice by getting up close and personal to an eclectic range of artefacts inspired by themes of love and lust.

Participants will meet in the cafe and spend two minutes with each potential match discussing the unusual items on their table.

Alternatively those seeking to buff up on their history knowledge can come along a little earlier to meet the museum curator and hear first-hand the background of the collection - many of which are not on active display.

These include Victorian contraceptives, a Japanese wood print, 19th century engagement portraits, wedding gowns, a chair used by Henry VIII and a bark cloth from Fiji used in marriage ceremonies.

Also included will be a photo of the tragic Earl of Moray’s coach (it’s actually at the nearby carriage museum) bought specially to celebrate his upcoming nuptials. When his bride-to-be severed ties he had the carriage horses shot.

Lyn Palmer, Maidstone Museum’s interpretation and exhibitions manager, came up with the idea for speed dating inspired by similar projects in London.

She said: “This forms part of a series of ‘lates’ we do on the last Thursday of every month.

Museums are a wonderful place for dates - they are safe, warm and there is always something to talk about should conversation become a little stilted.”

The speed dating event takes place on Thursday, May 26 at Maidstone Museum in St Faiths Street from 7.30pm. It is open to anyone aged 25 to 35 and costs £5. To book your place call 01622 602838.

A history trail and talk on some of the love and lust collection begins at 6.30pm. This is open to anyone and you don’t have to be taking part in the speed dating event to get involved.