Museum of Bath at Work

This is the fascinating story of a local family firm. Mr Jonathan Burdett Bowler started his business in Bath in 1872 He described his trade as Engineer, Brass Founder, Gas-fitter, Lock Smith & Bell hanger. He made and repaired soda water machinery and also ran a fizzy drinks factory making such sumptuous concoctions as Orange Champagne, Hot Tom, Bath Punch and Cherry Ciderette. When Mr Bowler's grandson retired in 1969 the business closed. But remarkably it had survived up until then with its original antiquated machinery, Victorian gas light, and nothing remotely useful.

Here at the Museum of Bath at Work, Mr Bowler's factory has been saved and lovingly recreated, an intriguing corner of the city's industrial past. Wander through the rooms past the shop counter; through the Dickensian office, to the foundry, the machine shop, the carbonating plant and recall the atmosphere of a bygone age, when Mr Bowler or one of his large family would have tackled any job great or small - repairing a beer engine here, mending a pony harness there, casting a replacement part for a newfangled motor car, making gas-lit illuminations for Queen Victoria's Jubilee and, of course, putting the fizz into a myriad sparkling bottles of pop.

You'll also find reconstructions of a Bath Stone quarry face and a local cabinet-making workshop, both important aspects of the city's history. Upstairs is a cafe and shop where you can buy gifts, books and postcards. A visit to the Museum of Bath at Work gives you a chance to learn about working Bath in Victorian times, a story far removed from the elegance and gossip of the pump room. There is something here for all the family, for young and old, for visitor and resident alike.

Additional info

Library,study and collections available by appointment only.

Collection details

Trade and Commerce, Social History, Science and Technology, Land Transport, Archives, Industry, Archaeology