Bewdley Museum facts for kids
| Established | 1972 |
|---|---|
| Location | Bewdley, Worcestershire, England |
Bewdley Museum is a cool place to visit in the town of Bewdley, located in Worcestershire, England. It's like a time capsule that helps you learn about the town's past. The local council, Wyre Forest District Council, helps manage the museum.
Contents
How Bewdley Museum Started
The idea for Bewdley Museum began in 1969 when the Bewdley Museum Trust was created. The museum officially opened its doors in 1972. It was founded by a person named Stephen Quayle.
Why Was the Museum Created?
Stephen Quayle wanted to show everyone how important Bewdley used to be. He said the museum's goal was to teach people that Bewdley was once a very busy and important place, not just a quiet town. He hoped it would become a main attraction and bring more visitors to the area.
Amazing Things You'll Find Inside
The museum has many different collections that tell stories about Bewdley and its past. These collections include local social history, which is about how people lived. You can also see items related to geology (rocks and earth) and archaeology (old objects found underground).
Art and History Collections
The museum also has a fine art collection. This part focuses on paintings of landscapes and people from Bewdley and nearby areas. Some famous artists whose work you might see include Cyril Lavenstein, Frank Brangwyn, George Willis-Pryce, and Lord Frederic Leighton. There's even a collection of numismatics, which means old coins and money!
Researching the Past
If you love history, the museum also has a special local history library. This is where you can find books and old documents. These are called archives, and they help people research and learn even more about Bewdley's rich history.
Exploring the Museum's Buildings and Gardens
Bewdley Museum isn't just one building; it's spread across several interesting old structures and beautiful gardens. Each part has its own unique story.
Historic Structures to Discover
- Butchers Shambles: This is a 19th-century building that used to be a slaughterhouse. It shows how meat was prepared long ago.
- Brass Foundry: You can explore a 250-year-old brass foundry. This is where metal objects were made.
- Town Jails: See the old town jails, which were built way back in 1802.
- Air Raid Shelter: There's even a Second World War air raid shelter, built in 1940. It shows how people stayed safe during wartime.
Peaceful Gardens to Enjoy
Outside, you can walk through a lovely walled herb garden. It's a great place to see different plants and enjoy the peaceful pond.
What's Happening at the Museum
The museum often has special exhibitions that tell different stories. You can learn about the history of Bewdley itself. They also show traditional crafts, like how things were made by hand long ago.
Live Craft Demonstrations
Sometimes, you can even see craftspeople working right there at the museum! They show how they create things using old techniques. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits, so there's always something new to see.
