Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Website
Website
www.northampton.gov.uk/museums
Twitter page
www.twitter.com/NorthamptonShoe
Facebook page
www.facebook.com/pages/Northampton-Museum-Art-Gallery/238636039494330
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, Gallery
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
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.
Made in the Middle
Craftspace introduces a wealth of talented makers from across the Midlands. Featuring digital techniques and exploring 'Pathways to craft' careers, 35 makers offer an insight into the skill, creativity and innovative practice within the region.
Suitable for
- Any age
Made in the Middle exhibition
Craftspace introduce a wealth of talented makers from across the Midlands. Featuring digital techniques and exploring ‘Pathways to Craft’ careers. Thirty five makers offer an insight into the skill, creativity and innovative practice within the region.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10am-5pm
Website
Norman Walsh - English Sports Footwear
From its foundation in 1961 Walsh continues to be Britain’s only, wholly owned company designing and manufacturing sports footwear. Tracing origins back to the London Olympics of 1948 this exhibition demonstrates the evolution of the specialist running shoe and a living breathing example of continuing British shoe design and manufacture.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
If the Shoe Fits
Find out about a project which began with fairy stories where shoes caused magical transformations – sometimes as a reward, sometimes a punishment. A Sheffield University research team has been asking how shoes can bring about more everyday changes – in our moods, abilities and roles, as we put on different pairs. Follow participants through a year in the life of their shoes and see what is revealed.
Suitable for
- Any age
Art in the Park
Open to all Northamptonshire artists this well-loved exhibition is back for its 52nd successful year. It showcases the best of local artistic talent in the open air. Works are for sale.
Suitable for
- Any age
Where
Abington Park Museum
Park Avenue South,
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 5LW
England
Admission
FREE
A Day in the Life...
Photographer Steve Lancefield spent a day at the Alfred Sargent Shoe Factory in Rushden where he documented the making of traditional handmade shoes. The Alfred Sargent factory has been making shoes in Northampton since 1899. Lancefield's photos give an insight into the level of detail and finesse that goes into making every shoe. His pictures demonstrate that there is still a small but thriving legacy of quality British craftsmanship.
Suitable for
- Any age
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery
Guildhall Road
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 1DP
England
Admission
FREE
Global Futures
Global Futures showcases the work from graduates at the Fashion and Textiles division of the University of Northampton.
Suitable for
- Any age
The Fateful Fable of 13
The Fateful Fable of 13 explores the mystery and superstition that surrounds the number 13. Demonstrating artist Matthew Roby’s dark and playful imagination, this exhibition of illustration and mixed-media sculpture is likely to prompt tears of laughter from those who visit.
The exhibition aims to delight audiences and inspire all ages.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
Nasty Northampton
Join our tour guide Lucius Verus for a gruesome exploration of Northampton’s history looking at the bloodthirsty, disgusting, weird and hilarious events of the past two thousand years. This interactive exhibition will fire the imagination and reveal some surprising secrets behind the story of the town.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
Belfast pictures by Chris Fiddes
The oil paintings known as the Belfast Pictures were painted by the artist following a sketching trip to Belfast in May 1972 at the height of the Ulster conflict. They have not been shown together for more than 30 years.
All nine paintings, which were gifted to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery in 1977, are also online for the world to see on the BBC’s Your Paintings 2013 website, which is being officially launched on 8 February.
The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm.
Suitable for
- Any age
Where
Northampton Museum & Art Gallery - Gallery 4
Website
Character, Landscape and emotion
The Pre Raphaelite art movement had a profound effect on many artists from the late 19th century to the present day. From Egg to Inchbold, Collier to Gotch this exhibition examines how a group of four young British artists came to inspire generations of painters.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
The Pre Raphaelites and the Middlemores
Reuniting the collection of prominent Pre Raphaelite enthusiasts, the Middlemore family of Birmingham, this exhibition presents the art of William Holman Hunt, Sir Edward Burne- Jones and Morris and Co. and explores the relationship between artist and collector.
Works from both the collections of Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will be together again for the first time in over 50 years.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
Abington and the last of the Shakespeares
A major new exhibition about Abington Park Museum. Discover its history as a manor house and home of the last descendant of William Shakespeare, as an asylum and its most recent transformation into a well-loved museum.
Suitable for
- Any age
Where
Abington Park Museum
Park Avenue South
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 5LW
England
Admission
FREE
Website
Africa Inspired Crafts
Immerse yourself in the fascinating continent of Africa with a selection of craft activities, including flags, shields and masks.(There may be a small charge for some activities)
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1-3pm
Africa Inspired Crafts
Immerse yourself in the fascinating continent of Africa with a selection of craft activities, including flags, shields and masks.(There may be a small charge for some activities)
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10am-12pm
Africa Canvas Bag with Artist Lisa Broughton
Taking African designs as inspiration use applique and fabric printing to build and layer your design onto a canvas bag.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
1-3pm
Admission
Tickets £5
Africa Canvas Bag with Artist Lisa Broughton
Taking African designs as inspiration use applique and fabric printing to build and layer your design onto a canvas bag.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
10am-12pm
Admission
Tickets £5
Summer Murder Mystery
An evening of drama and mystery with Looking Glass Theatre. Set against the backdrop of the museum’s spring exhibitions a dreadful murder has taken place – maybe there will be more. It is up to you to stay out of danger and solve the mystery before the night is out!
Suitable for
- 18+
When
7-9:30pm
Admission
Tickets: £12.00 Licensed Bar
Talks for the Over 60s
Delia Thomas - 'Kettering Museum'
When
10:30-11:30am
Leather Stamping Workshop
Make your own unique and genuine leather key fob or bookmark. Personalise it with your initials and customise it using a selection of pattern and picture stamps.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Where
Abington Park Museum
Park Avenue South
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN1 5LW
England
Admission
Tickets £2.50
Book your tickets now by calling 01604 838 111
Shoe Store Tour
Take an exclusive tour of Northampton Museums world famous Shoe Collection with over 12,000 shoes plus related shoemaking material dating from 1,000 years BC to more recent designer footwear. This tour is a great opportunity to get up close and personal with some the wonderful shoes from our renowned collection.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
10:30-11:30am
Admission
Tickets: £3.50
An Evening with Chris Fiddes
Chris is widely regarded as one of Northampton’s most significant living artists. In a career spanning over 60 years he has created works of art that have been collected by both private individuals and public galleries.
During this evening we will hear Chris talk about his life and work and experience some of the Art, Music and Literature that have inspired him. He will also take questions.
This evening coincides with the display of his “Belfast Paintings” for the first time in over thirty years All nine paintings are on show at NMAG until 7 July and promoted worldwide on the BBC’s “Your Paintings” website
Licensed bar
Suitable for
- Any age
When
7-9:30pm
Admission
Free.
Website
Talks for Over 60s
Paul Johnson - 'Alfred East'
When
10:30-11:30am
Shoe Customisation Workshop
This is an opportunity to develop the skills needed to customise your own shoes and create unique footwear – a combination of fashion and art! Emmeline Child, lecturer in fashion at the University of Northampton, will lead this exclusive workshop in the beautiful surroundings of the museum’s decorative art gallery.
A limited number of tickets are available priced at £60. All materials (excluding shoes) and a gourmet lunch are included.
*Please note this workshop is for adults only
Suitable for
- 18+
When
10am-3pm
Admission
£60. All materials (excluding shoes) and a gourmet lunch are included.
Alive @ Delapre with Paul Weller
The Modfather opens new Alive@Delapre 3-day music event with support Toy.
Delapre Park, London Road, Northampton (01604 624811) 6pm, returns only [DA]
Suitable for
- Any age
When
6-10:30pm
Where
Delapre Park
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN4 8AW
Admission
£35
Website
Alive @ Delapre The wanted
One of Britain’s biggest pop bands plays new Alive@Delapre 3-day music event with special guests Lawson.
Delapre Park, London Road, Northampton (01604 624811) 6pm, £35 [DA]
Suitable for
- Any age
When
6-10:30pm
Where
Delapre Park
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN3 8AW
England
Admission
Tickets £35 available to buy from
http://www.aliveatdelapre.co.uk/aliveatdelapre/
Website
Alive @ Delapre with James Morrison
Unique, rootsy soul singer plays new Alive@Delapre 3-day music event with support.
Delapre Park, London Road, Northampton (01604 624811) 6pm, £35 [DA]
Suitable for
- Any age
When
6-10:30pm
Where
Delapre Park
Northampton
Northamptonshire
NN4 8AW
England
Admission
£35 tickets available to buy from: http://www.aliveatdelapre.co.uk/aliveatdelapre/
Website
Nasty Northampton Family Fun Day
The day will include a host of opportunities to learn about life in Northampton in the past through hand-on activities. Have a go in the stocks, make a pomander to stave off the plague, visit the medieval doctor for some gruesome and weird remedies and get a medieval makeover (boils included!)
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Website
Susan Edwards on the Pre-Raphaelites
Lunchtime talk with Susan Edwards on the Pre-Raphaelites with Q&A.
A talk with Q&A to accompany two forthcoming Pre-Raphaelite exhibitions: The Pre Raphaelites and the Middlemores (14 September - 3 November), exploring the Pre-Raphaelite works donated by the Middlemore family, and Character, Landscape and Emotion (14 September - 3 November) examining how a group of Pre Raphaelite painters inspired generations of painters.
When
1-1:30pm
Website
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