Bury Art Gallery, Museum & Archives

Bury Museum & Archives re-opened on May 13 2005 following a £1.2 million re-fit. The original institution opened in 1901 to house Thomas Wrigley's collection of Victorian art, given to the town by his family in celebration of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee. The Gallery is something of a work of art in itself, with fine mosaic floors and stained glass windows. The Museum is known as Paradise Street, laid out with shops and room settings. Family-friendly activities are always available, with extra events at holiday time. The lively programme of changing exhibitions is accompanied by talks and workshops.

The Wrigley Collection includes a very representative selection of the best of Victorian art, with the exception of the Pre-Raphaelites whose work Thomas Wrigley disliked. Oil paintings by Turner, Constable, Landseer, Cox and others are on permanent display. Watercolours by Turner, Birket Foster, Hunt, Roberts and de Wint are shown each year. The 20th century collection includes Lowry, Burra and Pasmore. The Museum collections reflect the social history of the area.

Collection details

Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Social History