Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Website
Website
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Telephone
01604 838111
Education
01604 838544
Fax
01604 838720
Northampton Museum reflects the town's proud standing as both Britain's boot & shoe capital and the focus for history of the town through the ages. Step back into a world of shoes with two new galleries funded with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Pilgrim Trust and Northampton Borough Council.
'Life & Sole' shows the history of shoemaking using audio-visual diaplays, interactive exhibits and a re-creation of an old shoe factory. 'Followers of Fashion' continues the story of footwear and celebrates shoe fashions through the centuries.
The story of Northampton's history from the Stone Age to the 20th century is told with objects, sound and film.
Both decorative arts and fine arts are represented in outstanding collections, particularly the Oriental ceramics and the 15th to 18th century Italian paintings.
Regular events include temporary exhibitions,lunchtime talks, mornings for the over 60's and sessions for toddlers in term time and school holiday workshops.
This museum has a Designated Collection of national importance.
Venue Type:
Museum
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Website
Website
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Telephone
01604 838111
Education
01604 838544
Fax
01604 838720
The Boot and Shoe collection held at Northampton's Central Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most extensive collections of its kind in the world, and is a Designated Collection of national importance.
It includes everything from Roman and Medieval footwear to the work of contemporary designers and reflects the vital role of Northampton in the history of shoe making. As well as footwear the collection includes: shoemaking tools and machines; accessories such as buckles, button hooks and polish; fine and decorative art depicting shoes and shoe making and documentary material including trade catalogues and journals, books, documents and photographs. Associated indexes include an index of shoemakers and shoemaking firms, and an index of shoes which are concealed in buildings for luck.
Shoes, shoe machinery and ephemera
Social History
Archaeology
Geology
Fine and Decorative Art
Collection details
Social History, Fine Art, Costume and Textiles, Archaeology, Social History
Key artists and exhibits
- Fine bronze SCABBARD of the 1st century BC, once the prized possession of a Celtic noble. Found at the Iron Age hill fort, Hunsbury.
- Unique Jewish tombstone, 13th century, from the former Jewish cemetery, off Barrack Road, Northampton
- THE BLAKE SEWER An important shoe machine to stitch the soles of shoes. It signifies the mechanisation of shoe manufacture.
- CHAIRS BY CHARLES RENNIE MACKINTOSH c. 1916 designed for WJ Basset-Lowke's house at 78 Derngate, Northampton.
- Bronze model of Henry Moore's MADONNA AND CHILD commissioned in 1943 for St Matthew's Church, Northampton.
- Painted and gilded Italian CASSONE or marriage chest, Siennes school about 1470.
- STATUE of Sekemka, Inspetor of Scribes, Egyptian, 5th Dynasty (about 2400BC) brough to England by the 2nd Marquis of Northampton
- Unusual double-sided portrait, about 1580, of Sir Christopher Hatton of Holdenby, Northamptonshire. On loan to the National Maritime Museum for the Elizabeth I exhibition May 2003.
- CHINESE PORCELAIN JAR. Chia-ching 1522-1566. Decorated with swimming carp
- ELEPHANT BOOT made in 1959 by Lotus Ltd, Northampton, for the British Alpine Hannibal Expedition.
- Super elevated ghillie by VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, famously tripping Naomi Campbell up on the catwalk.
- Designated Collection.
Collections services
- General guide to collections available
- Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Website
Website
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Telephone
01604 838111
Education
01604 838544
Fax
01604 838720
Sumptuous Stitches exhibition at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
An exhibition of work by members of the Northamptonshire Branch of the Embroiderers Guild, including a special display of work created by Margaret K Wright for the St John the Baptist Church on Horton.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10am-5pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
Entry to the Museum and all exhibitions is free.
Coming of Age exhibition at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
To celebrate attaining its 21st year, Network Arts' Spring Exhibition 2010 is a large mixed show, each picture a new viewof the world painted by local artist. We invite you to take a look - there will be much to see. Exhibits are for sale
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10am-5pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
Entry to the museum and exhibitions is free of charge.
Dr Martens at 50 exhibition at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Celebrating the 50th Birthday of Dr.Marten boots, follow their rise from orthopaedic footwear to a true British icon.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10am-5pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
Entry to the museum & exhibitions is free.
The Victorian Years exhibition at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Catch a glimpse of life at home, work and play during the Victorian years. The Museum's collections bring to life this memorable era.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10am-5pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
the Museum and exhibitions are free of charge.
The UN Show at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
A showcase of the next generation of shoe designers from the University of Northampton.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
10am-5pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
Entry to the museum and all exhibitions is free.
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Website
Website
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Telephone
01604 838111
Education
01604 838544
Fax
01604 838720
Museum Mornings for the over 60s at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (25 March)
Our talks are interesting and entertaining. The talk today is Northamptonshire Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
10:30am-12:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Toddlers' Afternoons for the under 5s at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (1 April)
Simple things to do, make or colour. No need to book, just drop in. The title today is Earth Collage.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
FREE
Lunchtime Talks at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (13 April)
Come and eat your sandwiches while listening to our Lunchtime talk. The subject today is Doc Martens.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
FREE
Easter Workshop at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (14 April)
Make a funky fabric bag.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
There is a £1 charge for materials per person
Easter Workshops at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (14 April)
make a funky fabric bag.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
10am-12pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
There is a £1 materials charge per person.
Easter Workshop at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (15 April)
Design a Spring collage.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
10am-12pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
There is no charge for this workshop.
Easter Workshop at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (15 April)
Design a Spring collage.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
this workshop is free.
The Past Identified at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Julie Cassidy, Finds Liaison Officer for Northamptnshire County Council, will be at the Museum for identifying and recording any archaeological finds you bring in as part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2:30-4pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
FREE
Easter Workshop at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (16 April)
Creative Spring crafts.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
10am-12pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
This workshop is free of charge.
Easter Workshop at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (16 April)
Creative Spring crafts.
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
1-3pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
This workshop is free of charge.
Museum Mornings for the over 60s at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (22 April)
Our talks are entertaining and interesting, the talk today is Ashby St.Ledgers, The Church with Everything.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
10:30am-12:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
The talks are free, but there is a small charge if refreshments are required.
Lunchtime Talks at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (11 May)
Come and eat your lunch while listening to our entertaining talks. The subject today is A Selection of Poetry and Prose.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
FREE
Toddlers' Afternoons for the under 5s at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (13 May)
Simple things to do, make or colour. No need to book, just drop in. Title today is Design Doc Martens
Suitable for
- Especially for children
When
1-1:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
FREE
Museum Mornings for the over 60s at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (20 May)
Our talks are interesting and entertaining. The talk today is Abeyfield's Gambia Project.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
10:30am-12:30pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
Our talks are free, interesting and entertaining. There is a small charge if refreshments are required.
The Past Identified at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Julie Cassidy, Finds Liaison Officer for Northamptnshire County Council, will be at the Museum for identifying and recording any archaeological finds you bring in as part of the Portable Antiquities Scheme.
Suitable for
- All ages
When
2:30-4pm
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Admission
FREE
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Website
Website
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Telephone
01604 838111
Education
01604 838544
Fax
01604 838720
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