Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery
Queen Street
Exeter
Devon
EX4 3RX
England
Website
RAMM's home page
Telephone
01392 665858
Fax
01392 421252
Fully refurbished after a multimillion pound redevelopment, the new displays showcase the collections and collectors that have helped RAMM to become one of Britain’s finest regional museums.
They tell the story of Exeter and Devon from the prehistoric to the present but, more than a local museum, its internationally important world cultures and natural history collections also tell a story of global exploration and collecting in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Original architectural features have been revealed allowing visitors to experience the splendour of the original Victorian spaces. The extension includes a suite of modern, flexible exhibition galleries allowing RAMM to bring to the South West prestigious loans and exhibitions from national partners. Modern services improve the care of visitors and the collections alike.
A new garden entrance links the Victorian museum to its historic surroundings and the neighbouring gardens. The area is one of only five sites classified by English Heritage as an Area of Archaeological Importance.
You can also visit St Nicholas Priory - A Tudor Home, at the Mint, off Fore St Exeter. In part of what was once a medieval priory this splendid building was later lived in by the wealthy Hurst family. It is now presented as their Elizabethan town house with replica furniture, sumptuous fabrics and rich colours. Come and feel at home in this historic family home. Open on Saturdays and on weekdays during school holidays 10.00 - 17.00. Admission £2.50 for adults (Concessions £.00), children £1.00 (0-5yrs free). All children aged under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. www.exeter.gov.uk/priory
Find us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/RAMMuseum
This museum has a Designated Collection of national importance.
Venue Type:
Museum
The world cultures collections at this museum are Designated Collections of national importance.
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum collections contain important items from cultures in every continent outside Europe.
Collection details
World Cultures, Natural Sciences, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archaeology
Key artists and exhibits
- Designated Collection
The Tannery: Photographs by Paul Glendell
The ancient industry of tanning leather using oak bark has been carried out at Hamlyn's tannery in Colyton for hundreds of years. The firm of J and FJ Baker and Sons Ltd, who now run the tannery, are the only company in Britain that still makes leather in this way. The work is hard, smelly and messy but produces high quality leather for which there is still a flourishing market. Life and work in the tannery are captured in the black and white photographs of Paul Glendell, reminiscent of James Ravilious's work. Like Ravilious, also inspired by the founding principles of Henry Cartier-Bresson, Paul continues in the fine tradition of social documentary, capturing the moment and the essence of a place with the unassuming Leica camera. In his un-posed photographs, Paul portrays the people and processes involved in an ancient craft, conveying the spirit of the place, the qualities of light, the sense of movement. Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm Closed Mondays and bank holidays,
Admission
FREE
Wasted
This exhibition explores the life-giving potential of discarded body parts and their relationship to myths, history, cutting edge stem cell research and notions of what constitutes informed consent. The art works are sculptural, incorporating milk teeth donated by children and bones and fat from living, consenting donors. Wasted is produced by Gina Czarnecki in collaboration with Professor Sara Rankin, Imperial College London. The body, its limits and unexplored possibilities for self-regeneration form the basis of a four year body of research culminating in this ground breaking exhibition. Visit RAMM website,
Admission
Free
Wasted
This exhibition explores the life-giving potential of discarded body parts and their relationship to myths, history, cutting edge stem cell research and notions of what constitutes informed consent., The art works are sculptural, incorporating milk teeth donated by children and bones and fat from living, consenting donors., Wasted is produced by Gina Czarnecki in collaboration with Professor Sara Rankin, Imperial College London. The body, its limits and unexplored possibilities for self-regeneration form the basis of a four year body of research culminating in this ground breaking exhibition., Visit RAMM website,
The Tannery – Paul Glendell
In his unposed black and white photographs award-winning photojournalist Paul Glendell captures the essence of life and work in Britain’s last oak bark tannery.
The ancient industry of tanning leather using oak bark has been carried out at Hamlyns tannery in Colyton, Devon for hundreds of years. J and FJ Baker and Sons Ltd, who now run the tannery, are the only company in Britain that still makes leather in this way. The work is hard, smelly and messy but produces high quality leather for which there is still a flourishing market.
Glendell’s photographs portray the people and processes involved in this ancient craft, conveying the spirit of the place, the qualities of light and the sense of movement.
Like James Ravilious, Glendell is inspired by the founding principles of Henri Cartier-Bresson. He continues in this fine tradition of social documentary, capturing the moment and the essence of a place with the unassuming Leica camera, documenting environmental issues and disappearing cultural history.
Glendell’s work has been published in Time and Life magazines, national newspapers and the BBC. His commissioned photography work involved extensive travels around Britain, Germany, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania and Israel. His work has been exhibited in Britain, France, China, Slovakia and Hungary.
From time to time the galleries will be closed for special events; please check before travelling, phone: 01392 265858
Website
http://www.rammuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/the-tannery-photographs-by-paul-glendell
William and Frederick John Widgery
Father and son, the landscape painters William and FJ Widgery lived and worked in Devon throughout their careers. William Widgery (1826-1893) was entirely self-taught and developed an atmospheric style well suited to large-scale work. By contrast, his son, FJ (1861-1942), received formal art training at home and abroad. His more precise draughtsmanship was ideal for small-scale work and illustration. Though high-spirited and sociable, William seems to have been totally dedicated to painting. FJ, though a very productive artist, found time to be involved in Exeter politics and the running of RAMM. Both men drew life-long inspiration from the landscape of Devon and, above all, from Dartmoor. This exhibition is certain to be a real pleasure for those who love the scenery of Dartmoor and South Devon.
Admission
FREE
William and Frederick John Widgery
Father and son, the landscape painters William and FJ Widgery lived and worked in Devon throughout their careers., William Widgery (1826-1893) was entirely self-taught and developed an atmospheric style well suited to large-scale work. By contrast, his son, FJ (1861-1942), received formal art training at home and abroad. His more precise draughtsmanship was ideal for small-scale work and illustration. Though high-spirited and sociable, William seems to have been totally dedicated to painting. FJ, though a very productive artist, found time to be involved in Exeter politics and the running of RAMM. Both men drew life-long inspiration from the landscape of Devon and, above all, from Dartmoor., This exhibition is certain to be a real pleasure for those who love the scenery of Dartmoor and South Devon.,
What do you Collect My Purrfect Collection
Hello Kitty originated in Japan in 1974 and has been popular for all ages ever since. In the latest celebration of the passions of local collectors we will be showcasing one person&rsquo
s Hello Kitty collection, amassed since the mid 1980s. , Do you have a collection that you would like to exhibit? Email RAMM@exeter.gov.uk , Visit RAMM website,
Admission
FREE
What do you Collect? My Purrfect Collection
Hello Kitty originated in Japan in 1974 and has been popular for all ages ever since. In the latest celebration of the passions of local collectors we will be showcasing one person’s Hello Kitty collection, amassed since the mid 1980s.
Gillian Ayres
This exhibition features the printmaking of Gillian Ayres, one of the leading British abstract artists of her generation. As well as the vibrant, heavily-worked canvasses for which she is best known, Gillian is also a dedicated printmaker. Born in 1930, Gillian Ayres studied at Camberwell College of Art between 1945 and 1950. She worked initially in London and then went on to teach at the Bath Academy in Corsham, Saint Martins School of Art and finally became Head of Painting at Winchester School of Art. She left teaching in 1981 and moved to Wales and then Cornwall, where she currently lives. Over the course of her career, the artist has made a significant and varied body of original prints. Most of the works in this exhibition have been proofed by Gillian Ayres and Jack Shirreff and were printed at 107 Workshop. , Ayres and Shirreff first met at Corsham and it was his reinvigoration of the use of carborundum combined with etching that offered her a whole range of possibilities in the medium of print. Gillian Ayres&rsquo
work is in the collections of the British Museum, Tate, the Victoria & AlbertMuseum
and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Ayres was made a Royal Academician in 1991 and awarded a CBE in 2011. From time to time the galleries will be closed for special events
please check before travelling, phone: 01392 265858 , Visit RAMM website,
Admission
Free
Gillian Ayres
This exhibition features the printmaking of Gillian Ayres, one of the leading British abstract artists of her generation. As well as the vibrant, heavily-worked canvasses for which she is best known, Gillian is also a dedicated printmaker., Born in 1930, Gillian Ayres studied at Camberwell College of Art between 1945 and 1950. She worked initially in London and then went on to teach at the Bath Academy in Corsham, Saint Martins School of Art and finally became Head of Painting at Winchester School of Art. She left teaching in 1981 and moved to Wales and then Cornwall, where she currently lives., Over the course of her career, the artist has made a significant and varied body of original prints. Most of the works in this exhibition have been proofed by Gillian Ayres and Jack Shirreff and were printed at 107 Workshop., Ayres and Shirreff first met at Corsham and it was his reinvigoration of the use of carborundum combined with etching that offered her a whole range of possibilities in the medium of print., Gillian Ayres&rsquo
work is in the collections of the British Museum, Tate, the Victoria & AlbertMuseum
and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Ayres was made a Royal Academician in 1991 and awarded a CBE in 2011., From time to time the galleries will be closed for special events
please check before travelling, phone: 01392 265858, Visit RAMM website,
West Country to World’s End…
During the Tudor Age the South West was famed for the innovation and endeavour of its people. Devon sea dogs Drake, Raleigh and Hawkins sailed to Worlds End in their pursuit of treasure and glory, Exeters Nicholas Hilliard produced exquisite miniature portraits of courtiers while fellow Exonian Thomas Bodley re-founded Oxford Universitys library, later named the Bodleian in his honour. These men lived during the religious turmoil and political intrigue of Elizabeth I&rsquo
s reign &ndash
a time of opportunity for the merchants and traders of Devon. Many grew rich on the fruits of overseas trade and expressed their new status through fashionable houses, fine furnishings, decoration and valuable personal possessions. The demand for goods was met by a network of local craft workers: plasterers, masons, carpenters, lace-makers and goldsmiths. Aspects of their lives are revealed in a fascinating new RAMM research project funded by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. RAMM is drawing together paintings, artefacts and documents from galleries, museums and record offices to tell the story of the South West and its people set against the backdrop of one of the most evocative periods in British history.
Admission
FREE
West Country to World's End
During the Tudor Age the South West was famed for the innovation and endeavour of its people. Devon sea dogs Drake, Raleigh and Hawkins sailed to "World's End"
in their pursuit of treasure and glory, Exeter's Nicholas Hilliard produced exquisite miniature portraits of courtiers while fellow Exonian Thomas Bodley re-founded Oxford University's library, later named the Bodleian in his honour.
These men lived during the religious turmoil and political intrigue of Elizabeth I's reign - a time of opportunity for the merchants and traders of Devon. Many grew rich on the fruits of overseas trade and expressed their new status through fashionable houses, fine furnishings, decoration and valuable personal possessions.
The demand for goods was met by a network of local craft workers: plasterers, masons, carpenters, lace-makers and goldsmiths. Aspects of their lives are revealed in a fascinating new RAMM research project funded by the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art.
RAMM is drawing together paintings, artefacts and documents from galleries, museums and record offices to tell the story of the South West and its people set against the backdrop of one of the most evocative periods in British history.
Suitable for
- Any age
Exeter's Fine Art
A century ago in 1913, Applehayes Farm at Clayhidon on the Devon-Somerset border belonged to Harold Harrison, a retired rancher from Argentina. Harrison, became friends with the Camden Town Artists Group whilst a London art student and from 1910 onwards he invited the members to visit his farm, amongst them Spencer Gore, Charles Ginner and Robert Bevan. Bevan, in particular, was inspired by the East Devon landscape and returned regularly until 1920. RAMM is commemorating this centenary with a display of its important 1913 paintings by both Bevan and Ginner. Samuel Palmer was one of the most original and influential artists of the 19th century and is famously associated with Shoreham in Kent. However, in later life he was arguably more inspired by the scenery of Devon than any other. With the help of the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of the Museum, RAMM has recently acquired one of Palmer&rsquo
s important late watercolours, After the Storm, 1861. This large scale exhibition work is an imaginary shipwreck scene based on the coastline around the Valley of the Rocks near Lynmouth and will be on public display in Exeter for the very first time. The images in this exhibition are available to buy on a range of products. Accompanying events, Wednesday 8 May, 1 to 2pm, £4.50 (£3) - Lunchtime art gallery walk and talk with John Madin, RAMM&rsquo
s Art Curator, Wednesday 5 June, 1 to 2pm, £4.50 (£3) - Lunchtime lecture - Benjamin Robert Haydon: The Triumphs and the Tragedies with Alan Read, lecturer for NADFAS. Visit RAMM website,
Admission
FREE
Exeter's Fine Art
A century ago in 1913, Applehayes Farm at Clayhidon on the Devon-Somerset border belonged to Harold Harrison, a retired rancher from Argentina. Harrison, became friends with the Camden Town Artists Group whilst a London art student and from 1910 onwards he invited the members to visit his farm, amongst them Spencer Gore, Charles Ginner and Robert Bevan. Bevan, in particular, was inspired by the East Devon landscape and returned regularly until 1920. RAMM is commemorating this centenary with a display of its important 1913 paintings by both Bevan and Ginner.
Samuel Palmer was one of the most original and influential artists of the 19th century and is famously associated with Shoreham in Kent. However, in later life he was arguably more inspired by the scenery of Devon than any other. With the help of the V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of the Museum, RAMM has recently acquired one of Palmer’s important late watercolours, After the Storm, 1861. This large scale exhibition work is an imaginary shipwreck scene based on the coastline around the Valley of the Rocks near Lynmouth and will be on public display in Exeter for the very first time.
Website
Coded Clothes
This display shows a special selection of adornments from RAMMs World Cultures collection. What do your clothes say about you? All over the world people strive to transform and beautify their bodies with permanent and temporary adornment. For many communities it is an integral expression of the traditions, nationality, status and spirituality through which people define their personal identity and place in society. For others, its to attain an ideal of beauty promoted by their society, or to deliberately reject that ideal in order to pursue individuality. , Visit RAMM website,
Admission
Free
Coded Clothes
This display shows a special selection of adornments from RAMM’s World Cultures collection. What do your clothes say about you? All over the world people strive to transform and beautify their bodies with permanent and temporary adornment.
For many communities it is an integral expression of the traditions, nationality, status and spirituality through which people define their personal identity and place in society. For others, it’s to attain an ideal of beauty promoted by their society, or to deliberately reject that ideal in order to pursue individuality.
Website
Wasted
This exhibition explores the life-giving potential of ‘discarded’ body parts and their relationship to myths, history, cutting edge stem cell research and notions of what constitutes informed consent.
The art works are sculptural, incorporating milk teeth donated by children and bones and fat from living, consenting donors.
Wasted is produced by Gina Czarnecki in collaboration with Professor Sara Rankin, Imperial College London. The body, its limits and unexplored possibilities for self-regeneration form the basis of a four year body of research culminating in this ground breaking exhibition.
Website
Gillian Ayres
This exhibition features the printmaking of Gillian Ayres, one of the leading British abstract artists of her generation. As well as the vibrant, heavily-worked canvasses for which she is best known, Gillian is also a dedicated printmaker.
Born in 1930, Gillian Ayres studied at Camberwell College of Art between 1945 and 1950. She worked initially in London and then went on to teach at the Bath Academy in Corsham, Saint Martins School of Art and finally became Head of Painting at Winchester School of Art. She left teaching in 1981 and moved to Wales and then Cornwall, where she currently lives.
Over the course of her career, the artist has made a significant and varied body of original prints. Most of the works in this exhibition have been proofed by Gillian Ayres and Jack Shirreff and were printed at 107 Workshop.
Ayres and Shirreff first met at Corsham and it was his reinvigoration of the use of carborundum combined with etching that offered her a whole range of possibilities in the medium of print.
Gillian Ayres’ work is in the collections of the British Museum, Tate, the Victoria & AlbertMuseum; and the Museum of Modern Art, New York. Ayres was made a Royal Academician in 1991 and awarded a CBE in 2011.
From time to time the galleries will be closed for special events; please check before travelling, phone: 01392 265858
Website
RAMM's Learning Service
RAMM's learning service helps visitors to explore our collections, connect them to the wider world and discover links to their own lives. Our family service supports families to learn together, through imaginative family fun days and collections-linked projects and our schools service helps teachers link the collections to the curriculum.
http://www.rammuseum.org.uk/Schools/
- About
- | Collections
- | Exhibitions
- | Events
- | Resources
- | Map
