Museum

As we find ourselves in lockdown at the start of 2021, lets look to our growing Covid Collection for ideas to stay safe, well and entertained. Since the start of the pandemic Chippenham’s community and businesses have donated items that represent their experiences during Covid-19. We’re still documenting our town’s response to this time in …

Continue reading “Lockdown Inspiration with Chippenham Museum”

This time last year we were preparing for our annual Twelfth Night event. With the help of local author Geoff Hill and some inspiring re-enactors we were getting ready to celebrate all things Saxon and share the story of Chippenham’s Royal connections and its role in the events of 878AD. Things are different this year …

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​ Here at Chippenham Museum we support a wide variety of local artists and makers in our shop. As we look to shop local and support those around us in the build up to Christmas, we ‘d like to share some gift ideas with you.  All available through our online shop! With free Chippenham delivery …

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“The new art collection Chippenham Museum is building is an absolute joy and privilege to be a part of. The new collection celebrates the area of North Wiltshire and its rich art history. It highlights historical art and connections to the area including Bath Academy of Art and celebrates contemporary artists living and working in …

Continue reading “Spotlight On: Sarah Purvey concludes our artist’s blog series”

When furnishing his home in Rowden Hill in 1774, Thomas Arundell went on a shopping spree in Chippenham. Among the pieces he purchased were items associated with the newly fashionable pastime of drinking tea, coffee and chocolate. From Mr. Layton he bought earthenware chocolate and coffee cups and from John Scott a metal tea kettle. …

Continue reading “Worcester porcelain coffee cup and saucer, 1760s”

This painting features Betty Payne and Bill Hopper founders of the Chippenham Starlettes. The group was formed in 1953 as a dancing school for children. Within a year there were thirty members, and their first production “Dick Whittington” was seen at the Neeld Hall, Chippenham at Christmas 1954. Over the years membership grew and the …

Continue reading “Portrait of Betty Payne and Bill Hopper, 1979”

These plaster panels are a rare survivor of the once glamourous Art Deco Cinema that stood on the corner of Timber Street and Gladstone Road, Chippenham. Its construction began in March 1936, and 8 months later the Gaumont Cinema opened to the public on 14th November. The building’s exterior was a 1930’s take on Georgian …

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William ‘Bill’ Brooker studied at Croydon School of Art, Chelsea School of Art and Goldsmiths College of Art. Between 1949 and 1965 he taught at a number of art schools including the Bath Academy of Art in Corsham. While teaching there Brooker lived in the town, working and recruiting notable artists of the British Post …

Continue reading “Studio Interior with Nude, William Brooker, 1953”

These 24 trade medals, displayed across two velvet-lined, wooden cases, were presented to Saxby and Farmer and its successor companies during the late 19th and early 20th century. Saxby and Framer were early developers of railway signalling. They moved their manufacturing works from Kilburn, London to Chippenham in 1903. This move led to the town …

Continue reading “Trade Medals awarded to Saxby and Farmer Ltd, 1876-1924”

For our final VE Day party blog we consider that tricky party question… What party music mix should I have? Putting together that ultimate party play list can be very tricky. Trying to satisfy everyone’s taste in music is almost impossible these days. This is perhaps the one time that it might have been easier …

Continue reading “Partying 1940s Style: Part 4 – What party music mix should I have?”