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Heath Robinson Museum
Heath Robinson Museum exterior 2 by Tom Fish.jpg
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Established 15 October 2016; 8 years ago (2016-10-15)
Location 50 West End Lane, Pinner HA5 1AE, London
Type Art museum

The Heath Robinson Museum is a special place in Pinner, northwest London. It shows off the amazing work of William Heath Robinson (1872–1944). He was a famous artist, illustrator, and humorist. He was known for his funny drawings and clever ideas.

The museum officially opened on 15 October 2016. A well-known children's author, Michael Rosen, helped open it. Many people came to the ceremony in Pinner Memorial Park. This museum was the first new museum built in Greater London in over 40 years.

About William Heath Robinson

William Heath Robinson was born in 1872 and passed away in 1944. He came from a family of artists. His grandfather, father, and brothers were all artists too. He became very famous for his funny and detailed drawings.

He often drew complicated machines that were supposed to do simple tasks. These machines were usually very silly and didn't work in real life. His drawings made people laugh and think. He also illustrated many books, bringing stories to life with his unique style.

Creating the Museum

Heath Robinson Museum permanent exhibition with Geoffrey Beare
Inside the Heath Robinson Museum's main exhibition gallery

Building the Heath Robinson Museum took a lot of effort and support. The William Heath Robinson Trust started a fundraising campaign in 2013. They wanted to create a home for the artist's work.

They received a big grant of £1.3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Many local people and businesses also gave money. This funding helped make the museum a reality.

What You Can See at the Museum

The museum has two main areas for visitors. One gallery has a permanent display. This part shows the life and career of William Heath Robinson. You can see many of his original illustrations and artworks here.

The second gallery is for special exhibitions. These shows change every three months. They often focus on different themes or parts of Heath Robinson's work. This means there is always something new to see. The museum is located in Pinner Memorial Park, which is easy to reach from Pinner tube station.

The Museum's Collection

The museum holds a very important collection of Heath Robinson's work. When his daughter, Joan, passed away, her husband wanted her father's art to be available to the public. So, the William Heath Robinson Trust was formed in 1992.

The first collection had about 500 original artworks. It also included letters, special books he illustrated, and old advertisements. In 2015, the museum was able to buy about 400 more important works. Now, the collection has nearly 1,000 pieces. It is the largest collection of his work that the public can see.

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