Cowper and Newton Museum
The Cowper and Newton Museum
Orchard Side
Market Place
Olney
Buckinghamshire
MK46 4AJ
England
Website
www.cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
house-manager@cowperandnewtonmuseum.org.uk
Telephone
01234 711516
Fax
0870 164 0662
The Museum was opened in 1900. The house called Orchard Side was at that time owned by Mr W. H. Collingridge and he was persuaded by Thomas Wright of Olney to give the property to the town of Olney as a museum. Thomas Wright was an Olney schoolmaster, local historian and a prolific author. Among his writings were biographies of Cowper and William Blake as well as editions of Persian poets such as Omar Khyam. Two of his most famous works are "The Romance of the Lace Pillow" and "The Romance of the Shoe Maker". He was instrumental in raising public awareness about Olney's heritage and was the first Custodian of the Cowper and Newton Museum.
Venue Type:
Museum, Gallery, Library, Historic house or home, Heritage site, Garden, parklands or rural site, Artist studio or collective
Additional info
Disabled people are welcome. A portfolio of photographs of the exhibits in the upper rooms is available for those who find the steep stairs difficult to manage.
Free public car parks in Market Place, opposite museum, and Old Cattle Market, adjacent to musem.
Coach parties are welcome by prior arrangement. Please contact the Custodian on 01234 711516.
Collection details
Archaeology, Archives, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Science and Technology, Social History
Key artists and exhibits
- William Cowper - The famous 18th century poet, letter-writer and classical scholar.
- Rev. John Newton - Cowper's spiritual mentor, author of "Amazing Grace"
- Lacemaking - The local history of the industry.
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