Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2PP
England
Website
Harris Museum and Art Gallery information
Cotton History website
Enquiries
Telephone
Museum Office
01772 258248
Event bookings (Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm)
01772 905414
Recorded Information Line
01772 905410
Fax
Office fax
01772 886764
The Harris Museum and Art Gallery is located in a Grade I listed building right in the centre of Preston, England's newest city. It offers a huge range of free exhibitions as well as activities for all ages. The programme includes contemporary art and design, fashion, fine art and decorative art. The museum also specialises in the history of Preston and holds a variety of social history exhibitions including those of local photographs from the museum's extensive archive.
Venue Type:
Museum, Gallery
Additional info
The Friends of the Harris Museum and Art Gallery organise regular trips to other places of interest as well as a regular Christmas concert, AGM with speaker and other events each year at the Harris Museum. They also enjoy 10% discount in Museum shop. Membership costs £15.00 per year or life membership £125.00.
For details contact The Hon. Secretary, Friends of the Harris, c/o The Harris Museum and Art Gallery, or visit our website.
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2PP
England
Website
Harris Museum and Art Gallery information
Cotton History website
Enquiries
Telephone
Museum Office
01772 258248
Event bookings (Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm)
01772 905414
Recorded Information Line
01772 905410
Fax
Office fax
01772 886764
Large collections of 18th, 19th and 20th Century oils, watercolours and prints along with strong contemporary photography collection. Large collection of work by the Preston-based Devis family of artists.
Glass, ceramics, textile and costume, as well as specialist collections of perfume bottles and calling card cases.
Largest social history collections relating to Preston, including items relating to Preston Guild and large social history photography collection.
Collection details
Archaeology, Architecture, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Design, Fine Art, Industry, Photography, Social History, Toys and Hobbies, World Cultures
Key artists and exhibits
- 18th, 19th and 20th century fine art, including work of the Devis family
- Costume gallery with exhibitions changing annually
- Story of Preston permanent history exhibition
- Glass and ceramics display
- Displays of scent bottles and card cases from the French collection
- Temporary exhibitions galleries with exhibitions of contemporary art, craft and design and exhibitions of local/social history interest
Collections services
- General guide to collections available
- Object identification and/or written enquiry service
- Specialist publications on collections available
- Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2PP
England
Website
Harris Museum and Art Gallery information
Cotton History website
Enquiries
Telephone
Museum Office
01772 258248
Event bookings (Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm)
01772 905414
Recorded Information Line
01772 905410
Fax
Office fax
01772 886764
Curator Talk: Picturesque Porcelain
A free, drop in talk with one of the Harris Curators to talk about the fascinating history of Porcelain and discover our collection.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:30pm
Admission
Free
Fashion Styling Workshop for Young People
Working with a professional stylist, you'll explore the world of styling and fashion media. Bring denim clothing and colourful accessories as the basis for a group fashion shoot.
Suitable for
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
- 11-13
When
11:30am-4:30pm
Admission
Free
Field of Vision: Two Printmakers, Ten Walks, Two Countries
Tracy Hill and Martha Oatway are both printmakers with a shared passion for walking. For Field of Vision they took walks together around the areas in which they live, Lancashire and Washington DC, and through print we see their different responses to the landscape.
Suitable for
- Any age
Helen McGhie
Helen McGhie's photographs explore ideas surrounding identity and sense of place. She is intrigued by photography's ability to shape and emphasise reality. The exhibition includes Ashley House, a recent series of photographs documenting the relationship between a place and family, alongside new work created for stairway.
Suitable for
- Any age
A Private Affiar: Personal Collections of Contemporary Art
A Private Affair is a major exhibition series focusing on the people and the stories behind collections - from private collections to those individuals whose donations and vision founded museums collections such as the Harris' for the enjoyment of all.
The Shepherd Library at 250
250 years ago the Shepherd Library was donated to Preston. To mark this occasion we are displaying some of the amazing rare books around the building to celebrate the library and its benefactor, the Preston doctor Richard Shepherd (1694-1761).
Suitable for
- Any age
Global Threads: Asian Textiles and Fashion Today
A ground-breaking new fashion exhibition co-curated by young people from Lancashire, Global Threads matches historic South Asian textiles with today's catwalk, high street and student fashions.
Suitable for
- Any age
Where
Harris Museum & Art Gallery
Picturesque Porcelain: British Landscape on a Plate
The museum recently received a stunning Crown Derby dessert service from the generous bequest of Robin Miller, a descendant of the Miller cotton manufacturers of Preston. These dishes, plates and tureens are decorated with beautiful landscapes of the British countryside that inspired artists and writers of the early 1800s. A new display created with help from members of the Blackpool Victoria Walking Club showcases these ceramics, which can be seen in the museum cafe.
Suitable for
- Any age
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2PP
England
Website
Harris Museum and Art Gallery information
Cotton History website
Enquiries
Telephone
Museum Office
01772 258248
Event bookings (Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm)
01772 905414
Recorded Information Line
01772 905410
Fax
Office fax
01772 886764
Fine Art Tour
Explore the Fine Art Gallery with a fascinating tour to discover the Harris' collection.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:40pm
Admission
Free
Arty Explorers
Discover stories and fun in the Fine Art Gallery. 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 0-4
When
2-3pm
Arty Explorers
Discover stories and fun in the Fine Art Gallery. 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 0-4
When
11am-12pm
Hands on at the Harris
Drop in activities suitable for all ages. We do something different every week, looking at many different aspects of the museum's collections. Contact us to find out more!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
1:30-3:30pm
Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild
Come along and help to make a patchwork for the Preston Guild, no previous skills needed!
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2-3pm
Admission
Free
Wonderful Wednesday
Join us on Wednesday to discover our collections in new ways. This might be craft, dressing up, object handling, trails or role-play - come and find out what's on this week! We look at lots of different parts of the museum's collections - contact us in advance to find out more.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Dig It! - Kids' Archaeology Activity
Explore the Harris' through being an archaeologist for the day.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
When
2-3:30pm
Admission
£1 per child
Dig It! - Kids' Archaeology Activity
Explore the Harris' through being an archaeologist for the day.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
When
10:30am-12pm
Admission
£1 per child
Junk Art - Give Junk a Meaning!
Let James from our Young Harris group inspire you into recycling your junk in an arty way! Free - but bring a bag of recyclable junk with you!
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- Especially for children
When
1-3:30pm
Admission
Free
Puck Celebration Event
Join the Harris' to celebrate Puck by Richard Dadd joining our permanent collection.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
12-4pm
Admission
Free, drop in
Lecture: Preston's First Library - The Legacy of Dr Shepherd
250 years ago the Shepherd Library was donated to Preston by Richard Shepherd. To mark this occasion we are displaying some of these rare books around the building.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
6:30pm-
Admission
Free - please book
Curator Talk: A Private Affair Exhibition Talk
A Private Affair tells the personal stories behind private collections of contemporary art asking: why do people collect contemporary art and how does it affect or enhance their lives?
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:30pm
Admission
Free - drop in
The Potter's Apprentice
Have you got what it takes? 'Clock in' to try out the processes behind the ceramics industry and learn more about the people who worked in the potteries.
Suitable for
- Any age
- 5-6
- 11-13
- 7-10
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
2-4pm
Admission
Free, drop in!
Guided History Walk from the Harris Community Heritage Library to Dr Shepherd's Grave
250 years ago the Shepherd Library was donated to Preston by Richard Shepherd. To mark this occasion come on this fascinating walk.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1-2pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Little Hands On - Storytime in the Library
Listen to a story together. In partnership with the Harris Library.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
10:30-11am
Where
Harris Library
Hands on at the Harris
Drop in activities suitable for all ages. We do something different every week, looking at many different aspects of the museum's collections. Contact us to find out more!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
1:30-3:30pm
Little Hands On
Explore, sing, play and create together. Fun for the under fives. We look at a different parts of the museum's collections each month - contact us for more details.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
11am-12pm
Fine Art Tour
Explore the Fine Art Gallery with a fascinating tour to discover the Harris' collection.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:40pm
Admission
Free
International Women's Day Celebration
Come and celebrate International Women’s Day at the Harris.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
3:30-4:45pm
Admission
Free - drop in
How to Collect - A Private Affair Special Event
A Private Affair is a major exhibition series focusing on the people and the stories behind collections - from private collections to those individuals whose donations and vision founded museums collections such as the Harris' for the enjoyment of all. Come along to this special event and learn how to be a collector.
When
2-4pm
Admission
£5 per person
Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild
Come along and help to make a patchwork for the Preston Guild, no previous skills needed!
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2-3pm
Admission
Free
Fashion in Focus Talk: Vivienne Westwood
A ground-breaking new fashion exhibition co-curated by young people from Lancashire, Global Threads matches historic South Asian textiles with today's catwalk, high street and student fashions.
Suitable for
- 16-17
- 18+
When
1-1:30pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Hands On History - Fun History Activities
Have fun as a family exploring the Harris through history activities.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 0-4
- 7-10
- 11-13
When
1:30-3:30pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Curator Talk: A Private Affair Exhibition Talk
A Private Affair tells the personal stories behind private collections of contemporary art asking: why do people collect contemporary art and how does it affect or enhance their lives?
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:30pm
Admission
Free - drop in
Digital Photography Workshop for Young People
The museum's professional photographer will show you how to get the best out of your digital SLR camera.
Suitable for
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
2-4:30pm
Admission
Free - Please book
Take a Closer Look at the Dr Shepherd Library Colllection
250 years ago the Shepherd Library was donated to Preston by Richard Shepherd. To mark this occasion we are displaying some of these rare books around the building.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2-4pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Collections Talk: Our Most Beautiful Scent Bottles
Explore the largest scent bottle collection in Britain, and one of the most important in the world. The bottles, made from ceramic, glass, silver and other materials, date from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1:30-2pm
Admission
Free - Drop-in
Scent Bottle Treasure Hunt
Calling all arty detectives! Dress up as a treasure hunter and use torches and magnifying glasses to track down some very special scent bottles. Meet in the Ceramics & Glass Gallery.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Sew Cool Club
Have a go at textile crafts inspired by 'Global Threads' and the museum's collection of nineteenth century South Asian pattern books.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Hands on at the Harris
Drop in activities suitable for all ages. We do something different every week, looking at many different aspects of the museum's collections. Contact us to find out more!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
1:30-3:30pm
Little Hands On
Explore, sing, play and create together. Fun for the under fives. We look at a different parts of the museum's collections each month - contact us for more details.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
11am-12pm
The Potter's Apprentice
Have you got what it takes? 'Clock in' to try out the processes behind the ceramics industry and learn more about the people who worked in the potteries.
Suitable for
- Any age
- 5-6
- 11-13
- 7-10
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
2-4pm
Admission
Free, drop in!
Wonderful Wednesday
Join us on Wednesday to discover our collections in new ways. This might be craft, dressing up, object handling, trails or role-play - come and find out what's on this week! We look at lots of different parts of the museum's collections - contact us in advance to find out more.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Hands on at the Harris
Drop in activities suitable for all ages. We do something different every week, looking at many different aspects of the museum's collections. Contact us to find out more!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
1:30-3:30pm
Hands on at the Harris
Drop in activities suitable for all ages. We do something different every week, looking at many different aspects of the museum's collections. Contact us to find out more!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
1:30-3:30pm
Arty Explorers
Discover stories and fun in the Fine Art Gallery. 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 0-4
When
11am-12pm
Arty Explorers
Discover stories and fun in the Fine Art Gallery. 11am-12pm and 2pm-3pm.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 0-4
When
2pm-
Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild
Come along and help to make a patchwork for the Preston Guild, no previous skills needed!
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2-3pm
Admission
Free
Fashion in Focus Talk: Student Fashion in Preston
Explore a ground-breaking new fashion exhibition co-curated by young people from Lancashire, Global Threads matches historic South Asian textiles with today's catwalk, high street and student fashions.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
5:30-6pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Wonderful Wednesday
Join us on Wednesday to discover our collections in new ways. This might be craft, dressing up, object handling, trails or role-play - come and find out what's on this week! We look at lots of different parts of the museum's collections - contact us in advance to find out more.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Curator Talk: A Private Affair Exhibition Talk
A Private Affair tells the personal stories behind private collections of contemporary art asking: why do people collect contemporary art and how does it affect or enhance their lives?
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:30pm
Admission
Free - drop in
Sew Cool Club
Have a go at textile crafts inspired by 'Global Threads' and the museum's collection of nineteenth century South Asian pattern books.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Time for Tea - Crafty Tea Party Fun
Come and have a tea party at the Harris!
Suitable for
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Fine Art Tour
Explore the Fine Art Gallery with a fascinating tour to discover the Harris' collection.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:40pm
Admission
Free
Fine Art Tour
Explore the Fine Art Gallery with a fascinating tour to discover the Harris' collection.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2pm-
Admission
Free
Hands On History - Fun History Activities
Have fun as a family exploring the Harris through history activities.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 0-4
- 7-10
- 11-13
When
1:30pm-
Admission
Free - Drop in
Collections Talk: Ceramics By William De Morgan and Walter Crane
Explore the Ceramics Gallery which shows the development of English ceramics from 17th century slip-ware to studio pottery of the mid-20th century.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1:30-2pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Global Threads Spoken Word & Drama Workshop for Young People
Come to the Harris and explore the Global Threads exhibition in a new and exciting way, through the world of drama!
Suitable for
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
1-4pm
Admission
Free - Please book
The Potter's Apprentice
Have you got what it takes? 'Clock in' to try out the processes behind the ceramics industry and learn more about the people who worked in the potteries.
Suitable for
- Any age
- 5-6
- 11-13
- 7-10
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
2-4pm
Admission
Free, drop in!
Hands on at the Harris
Drop in activities suitable for all ages. We do something different every week, looking at many different aspects of the museum's collections. Contact us to find out more!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
1:30-3:30pm
Textile Craft Group: Patchwork for Preston Guild
Come along and help to make a patchwork for the Preston Guild, no previous skills needed!
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2-3pm
Admission
Free
Collections Talk: The Lady behind the Scent Bottle Collection
Mrs French Scent Bottle Collection is the largest in Britain, and one of the most important in the world. The bottles, made from ceramic, glass, silver and other materials, date from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum has other collections of note donated by Mrs French which include a collection of visiting card cases, a collection of stone eggs, mineral specimens and decorative objects made from stone and a comprehensive collection of mother of pearl gaming counters
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1:30-2pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Fine Art Tour
Explore the Fine Art Gallery with a fascinating tour to discover the Harris' collection.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-1:40pm
Admission
Free
Adult Learners Week
Look out for special events during the week.
Suitable for
- 18+
Admission
Free - Drop in
Take a Closer Look at the Dr Shepherd Library Colllection
250 years ago the Shepherd Library was donated to Preston by Richard Shepherd. To mark this occasion we are displaying some of these rare books around the building.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
2-4pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Little Hands On
Explore, sing, play and create together. Fun for the under fives. We look at a different parts of the museum's collections each month - contact us for more details.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- 0-4
- Especially for children
When
11am-12pm
Global Threads Tours
The young curator team provide insights into this new fashion exhibition and the unique way it was put together. Meet in the costume gallery.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
2-3pm
Fashion in Focus Talk: Manish Arora
A ground-breaking new fashion exhibition co-curated by young people from Lancashire, Global Threads matches historic South Asian textiles with today's catwalk, high street and student fashions.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
1-1:30pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Cotton Sounds: Music Night Out - Special Event
Come and explore the sounds of the cotton mills as you have never heard them before.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
6:30-8pm
Admission
Free - Please book
Hands On History - Fun History Activities
Have fun as a family exploring the Harris through history activities.
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 0-4
- 7-10
- 11-13
When
1:30-3:30pm
Admission
Free - Drop in
Scent Bottle Treasure Hunt
Calling all arty detectives! Dress up as a treasure hunter and use torches and magnifying glasses to track down some very special scent bottles. Meet in the Ceramics & Glass Gallery.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Sew Cool Club
Have a go at textile crafts inspired by 'Global Threads' and the museum's collection of nineteenth century South Asian pattern books.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2PP
England
Website
Harris Museum and Art Gallery information
Cotton History website
Enquiries
Telephone
Museum Office
01772 258248
Event bookings (Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm)
01772 905414
Recorded Information Line
01772 905410
Fax
Office fax
01772 886764
Exploring Homes in the Past
http://www.mylearning.org/overview.asp?journeyid=643
Discover the differences between modern and historical homes. Recognise common external features of domestic dwellings and identify differences between key external features of old and new houses.
Publisher
- This resource was produced as part of the MLA-funded My Learning project.
Follow the Yarn - The Story of Cotton in Preston
Educational website about the cotton industry in Preston. The site includes specific information and activities about the Horrockses cotton spinners and manufacturers who were founded in Preston by John Horrocks in 1791. Visitors can also weave their own design on a virtual loom or write a newspaper article on a significant event in the town's history. Suitable for key stage 24 pupils studying history and geography.
Creator
- Harris Museum and Art Gallery
- ACTIS Limited
How to obtain
Also accessible via www.cleo.net.uk in history resources.
History at the Harris CD-ROM
http://www.harrismuseum.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=27&Itemid=108
This CD-Rom includes schemes of work, printable worksheets, guidance for bringing a group to the museum, and lots of images to help you teach Toys (QCA Unit 1), Homes (QCA Unit 2), and What was it like to live here (Preston) in the past? (QCA Unit 18).
How to obtain
The CD is available to buy from the museum’s Education Department, priced £10.00. Please telephone 01772 905405.
Preston: Past and Present
http://www.mylearning.org/overview.asp?journeyid=644
Explore the City of Preston in Lancashire, now and in the past - good Victorian images.
Publisher
- This resource was produced as part of the MLA-funded My Learning project.
Victorian School and Work in Preston
http://www.mylearning.org/overview.asp?journeyid=670
Most Victorians had a very different attitude towards child labour than we do today. Sending young children out to work was an economic necessity for most families. This resource has worksheets about school and work life for children in Victorian times, inspired by original archive documents.
Publisher
- This resource was produced as part of the MLA-funded My Learning project.
Victorian Transport in Preston
http://www.mylearning.org/overview.asp?journeyid=669
Looking at photographs to discover different types of transport in Victorian times - worksheet with classroom question ideas
Publisher
- This resource was produced as part of the MLA-funded My Learning project.
Ancient Greeks
Hold a piece of Greek history in your hands, think like an archaeologist and translate Greek writing. This session uses objects and the museum's impressive architecture to bring this fascinating period to life.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Animal Safari
Dress for a safari with pith helemts and and carrying magnifying glasses, children will explore the collections and discover animals big and small. £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Reception: 1h30m
Early Years settings with pre-school children: 1h
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk
Can Buildings Speak?
What is the Harris Museum & Art Gallery saying? Look at the outside of the building to discover what it wants to tell us before exploring its interior and recording patterns using pencils, cameras and other media.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Cottoning On - the rise and fall of Preston's cotton industry
Card cotton, weave on looms, study maps and hold objects to find out how the cotton trad changed Preston and what life was like for children working in the mills. In partnership with Lancashire Libraries Service.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Design a Museum
Are you designing a museum? Are you unsure where to begin? Why not head to the Harris Museum & Art Gallery where you can invent engaging labels for your collection and, for KS2, persuage people to visit. Using object handling and National Literacy Trust 'talk for writing' techniques.
The Harris’ creative literacy sessions are designed to inspire a wider scheme of literacy and cross-curricular work. Some offer an additional, optional follow-up session back in school. They have created as part of the Preston Museums & Schools Partnership.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Doctor Harris What and the Museum/Art Gallery of the Future
Let the Harris Museum & Art Gallery visit your school to enthuse children about art and the past.
Doctor What needs help! The Doctor has travelled back in time to collect interesting objects from 2010/11 because the museums and art galleries of the future are devoid of collections from our time and people in the future don't know much about us. Can the children suggest or create some important pieces and save the day?
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 30 minutes; £10.
Every Picture Tells a Story - Portraying Relationships
Uncover the stories within paintings by examining gestures and symbols, bring the characters and scenes to life through role-play, then place yourself and a partner in a picture with clues to tell your story.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Greek Myths
Heroes wanted: are you up to the challenge? As you travel around the museum you will create mythical beasts, discover pots with magic powers, and earn your reward of Ancient Greek coins.
Optional follow-up: You've come so far but can you slay the beast? Using drama and movement you will conclude the myth back in the classroom.
The Harris’ creative literacy sessions are designed to inspire a wider scheme of literacy and cross-curricular work. Some offer an additional, optional follow-up session back in school. They have created as part of the Preston Museums & Schools Partnership.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2.5 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free. Or discounted rate of £4 per child for the museum visit and follow-up session in school.
Horace's Big Dig for Little Kids
Meet Horace, our 12,000 year old elk, and put his bones back together. See the things people have left behind and hold intriguing pots, coins and tools that have been found in the ground.
Reception: 1h30m
Early Years settings with pre-school children: 1h
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
I'm an object, get me out of storage!
Let the Harris Museum & Art Gallery visit your school to enthuse children about art and the past.
The children will take on the role of curators in a game show designed to get them thinking about which objects should be on display and why.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 30 minutes; £10.
Investigating Pattern
Create patterned textiles using our collections as inspiration. Learn about different techniques used to crate fabrics before making your own unique design. A great way to creatively re-inforce work on symmetry and shape.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Lowry's Millworkers
Walk through the painting, hold objects workers used in the mills and find the words to develop a poem woven with understanding and description.
Optional follow-up - Learn drawing techniques to enable you to present your poetry on your own Lowry inspired artwork.
The Harris’ creative literacy sessions are designed to inspire a wider scheme of literacy and cross-curricular work. Some offer an additional, optional follow-up session back in school. They have created as part of the Preston Museums & Schools Partnership.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free. Or discounted rate of £4.00 per children including museum visit and follow-up session in school.
Moving Pictures
Let the Harris Museum & Art Gallery visit your school to enthuse children about art and the past.
Inspired by images from the Harris' Fine Art collection, the children will bring them to life with soud and drama and discover the stories within the paintings.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 30 minutes; £10.
My first visit to the Harris
Visit the museum and art gallery, take photographs of the objects that catch your eye and find out what there is to enjoy.
Reception: 1h30m
Early Years settings with pre-school children: 1h
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Objects and Meanings
Behind every still-life is a wealth of thought about what to include, where to place the objects and the colours to use. Handle some of the objects represented in our paintings and design your own composition for a still-life to commemorate your visit.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Ourselves/Portraits
Explore the Fine Art Gallery for paintings of people. Copy their expressions, find clues in their clothing and strike a pose to inspire the children to create their own self-portrait.
Reception: 1h30m
Early Years settings with pre-school children: 1h
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Preston Dock - a local study
When was the dock built? What are dredgers and why were they so important? And what (or who) was unearthed from the river bed? Using a range of source materials pupils will find out how the dock changed Preston, what it was like to work in the port and what led to its closure. Inpartnership with Lancashire Libraries Service.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Self Portraits
What can we learn about people from their portraits? Investigate a selection of our portraits, copy their expressions, find clues in their clothing and strike a post before children create their own self-portrait.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Sudden Rising of the Nile
The river is flooding! How would it feel to flee your home, taking only the belongings you can carry? Investigate issues and emotions rised by our painting 'The Sudden Rising of the Nile' through role-play and drama techniques, leading to a diary recount.
The Harris’ creative literacy sessions are designed to inspire a wider scheme of literacy and cross-curricular work. Some offer an additional, optional follow-up session back in school. They have created as part of the Preston Museums & Schools Partnership.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
The Preston Lock-Out
Using role-play, sources and speech-making, pupils become different groups of people involved in the 1853 Preston Lock-Out. They will begin to understand why cotton workers were locked out of the millsand realise that historical events appear different from alternative points of view before voting for their preferred resolution. Available until 5 November 2010.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. Available until 5 November 2010.
Toys
Sort out the old toys from the new, explore how they were used through play and then make your own toy to round off this enjoyable session.
Reception: 1h30m
Early Years settings with pre-school children: 1h
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Toys
Sort toys onto a timeline, explore how they were used through play and then make your own toy to round off this enjoyable session.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Victorian Childhood
Discover how the lives of children in Victorian times different from today through objects, photographs and maps. Learn about work and play, and how changes in Preston affected the lives of local children. Pick two of the following options: Work & Insustry, Transport, Toys & Leisure, and Household.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Welcome to the Harris
What are museums for and where did all those objects come from? Discover thr answers to these questions by handling objects, writing labels and explorig the different ways museums tell visitors about their collections.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
What is Sculpture?
Explore a variety of sculptures from our collections, touch the different materials from which they are made, make an abstract piece together and feel inspired to mould or construct something new.
How to obtain
Call our Education Team on 01772 905405 Monday - Friday, or email harris.museum@preston.gov.uk. 2 hours; £2.50 per child; accompanying adults free.
Harris Museum and Art Gallery
Market Square
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 2PP
England
Website
Harris Museum and Art Gallery information
Cotton History website
Enquiries
Telephone
Museum Office
01772 258248
Event bookings (Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm)
01772 905414
Recorded Information Line
01772 905410
Fax
Office fax
01772 886764
Getting there
How to get here by car:
Follow M6 to Junction 31 (signposted Preston)
Follow signs for A59 Preston
Continue up a steep hill (Brockholes Brow)
At small roundabout carry straight on towards city centre (New Hall Lane)
Continue until you reach a T-junction at traffic lights (opposite Sainsbury's Homebase) and turn right.
Carry straight on through a Pelican crossing and another major set of traffic lights.
Get in the left hand lane and turn left for Bus Station car park down Percy Street. The entrance to the car park is up a ramp about 3/4 of the way down this road. You are close to the ramp entrance when you see the ramp going over the road in front you.
If you miss the left turn onto Percy Street there is another one for the same car park at the next set of traffic lights (by the Holiday Inn).
Turn left at the lights and second left up the ramp into car park.
Car park is pay and display.
From car park on foot:
Follow signs to Guild Hall/City Centre.
You will go down an escalator (or use lift)
At the bottom of the escalator turn 180 degrees and proceed through the Guild Hall shopping arcade (past a news kiosk under the escalator).
When you reach the Guild Hall exit, you will see the back of the Harris Museum directly in front of you. There are entrances on the right and left hand sides of the building on Harris Street and Jacson Street. When inside, you will find the Museum Office on the first floor. A lift is available.
How to get here from the railway station:
There are regular trains to Preston from London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, East Lancashire and Lancaster etc.
The Harris is a ten minute walk from the station.
Leave the station at the main exit (next to ticket office) and walk up the concourse.
Turn right onto Fishergate.
Carry on straight ahead, crossing Butler Street on your right at the traffic lights.
Continue straight along Fishergate past the shops (Woolworth’s, HMV, M&S etc.) until you reach Boots on the right hand side.
Turn left on to the Market Square and the Harris is straight opposite you.
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