What’s On at Chippenham Museum

Museum Lates

Thursdays:   3 February, 3 March, 14 April

Free, drop in until 7pm

Visit Chippenham Museum after work, or on your way to dinner, at these special late openings. Meet your friends here to enjoy our exhibitions and discover our collection of over 35,000 objects.

Fringe February at the museum

Chippenham Fringe February is an annual celebration of the arts from 11 – 13 February funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, ranging from spoken word to comedy, music concerts and dance projects.

A number of events are taking place at Chippenham Museum and the Yelde Hall as part of the full programme.

Mamma G’s Story Time Roadshow

Friday 11 February, 4pm & 5.30pm, Yelde Hall

£5, book here

Combining panto and the art of storytelling, this all-singing, partial-dancing extravaganza is filled with stories about being who you want and loving who you are!

Come and meet some of Mama G’s most fabulous creations, including: fashionista dinosaurs, bunnies who’ve lost their bounce and Eunice the unicorn, in a show that will make the whole family laugh, love and think!

“Everyone’s favourite pantomime dame.” – Metro
“Mama G’s stories are sprinkled with tales of inclusivity and acceptance.” – The Guardian

Presented in partnership with Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.

Museum Jukebox Premier

Saturday 12 February 11am, 1pm & 3pm, Chippenham Museum

Free, no need to book

Join Chippenham Museum for the premiere of the latest Museum Jukebox piece. Experience exhibition Wiltshire on Paper: Post-War Prints from the Bath Academy of Art through the music of John Noble, local saxophonist, composer and teacher.

Listen to this specially commissioned piece, funded by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, while viewing the works which inspired it and meet John to discuss the background to his composition on Saturday 12 February at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

This is a free event, booking is not required but numbers will be monitored to ensure everyone’s safety.

A Real Fiction

Sunday 13 February, 2pm, Yelde Hall

£5, book online

Fasten your seatbelts, A Real Fiction is coming and it is filled with fun, funk and foam bananas! A Real Fiction has been whipping up a storm and collecting memories on the way through!

Loaded with current affairs, childhood nostalgias and one hit wonders this work has been co-created with the community, for the community.

A hyperactive mix of dance, theatre, meme and pop culture. You can expect the unexpected as you lose yourself in other people’s memories, whilst we guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable time.

Creative Workshops for Adults

A different skill or craft every month with a selection of local artists and makers. Please note these workshops are for ages 18+ and tickets are non-refundable unless the event is postponed or cancelled.

Pattern & Collage: China Mug Decorating

Saturday 19 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm  

£27 book here

Immerse yourself in a world of pattern, colour and collage and join Blue Artemis at Chippenham Museum to hand decorate your own bone china mug.

Inspired by the maker’s unique process and style choose from an eclectic mix of china transfers, many of which are sourced from potteries of the past. Learn how to apply and layer them to create something truly unique. Your finished piece will be available to collect from the museum after firing, ready to become your favourite mug or gift for someone special.

A number of Blue Artemis pieces are available in the museum shop, including Chippenham baubles and mugs.

Discover Cyanotypes

Saturday 19 March, 10.30am – 12.30pm 

£25, fully booked

Discover the magical art of Cyanotypes with local maker Bloemen & Blue. Invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel as a way to copy his mathematical equations this ‘Blue Print’ Photography Process uses the alchemy of Iron solutions and sunlight to produce prints in a palette of blues from its hints to its depths.

Experiment with different papers, subject matter and exposures to create a number of prints to take home with you. With Cyanotype’s many variables there is an unpredictability to the results, and some of the best prints appear as ‘happy accidents’ making them all absolutely totally original and each one unique to you.

No experience is necessary, simply a curiosity to experiment! A number of Bloemen & Blue pieces are available in the museum shop, including prints and DIY Cyanotype kits.

Make a Silver Pendent Necklace

Saturday 2 April, 10am – 3pm 

£70, book here

Join Chippenham based designer Barking Hen Jewellery for a five hour workshop teaching traditional silver smithing techniques. You will make your own pendent to hang from a silver chain provided and be taught how to design, saw, file and shape, silver solder and texture or polish your pendant.

This workshop is designed for beginners and is taught in a small group. All materials, tools and equipment are provided including a silver chain. Refreshments will be available throughout the day; please do bring a packed lunch.

Barking Hen Jewellery is a Chippenham based business developed by jewellery designer Tamara. With over 25 years of experience, Tamara uses traditional silver smith techniques partnered with a flair for the unusual to create designs inspired by the British countryside.

A number of Barking Hen pieces are available in the shop at Chippenham Museum.

Lace Making

Saturday 21 May, 1.30pm – 4.30pm 

£20 book here

Try your hand at the age-old craft of lacemaking with Teresa Wheeler.

During this workshop you will be taught one traditional stitch, using modern materials and patterns. You will be taking home something a little different!

Town Walks

Our free Town Walks are now complete for this year, thank you to all that joined us. We will be launching new dates for Spring 2022.

Regular Activities for children & families

Discovery Time – Starting Soon!

Every Monday (excluding Bank Holidays), 10.15am-12pm, at the museum

£1.50 per child

Messy play for under 5s. Develop their creative side with crafts, paints, toys, sandpit and more!

Please note this session takes place upstairs (with lift access) in the museum’s Education Room with buggy parking downstairs in the museum.

Museum Photo Club

Wednesdays, 4.30pm – 5.30pm

£6 per session, ages 11 – 17, booked termly with the museum

In association with The Photo Club, this after school club in the setting of the museum galleries runs photography projects for young people to learn new skills and be creative. The club aims to improve self-expression and motivation, focusing on activities to help mental health and wellbeing while capturing great images and having fun.

West Wiltshire Young Archeologists’ Club

Saturdays once a month, 10.30am – 12.30pm 

To find out about membership, contact the museum.

West Wiltshire YAC is open to everyone aged 8–16 years. YAC clubs get involved in all sorts of activities, including visiting and investigating archaeological sites and historic places, trying out traditional crafts, taking part in excavations, and lots more.

Regular Activities for adults

Crafty Café

Mondays 2pm – 3.30pm, fortnightly

Upcoming dates: 13 December, 17 January, 31 January, 14 February, 28 February

Free entry, no need to book just drop in

Grab your needlework or knitting and join us every other Monday for an afternoon of craft, coffee and conversation at Chippenham Museum. A chance to talk with other crafters, swap patterns, share skills and get advice if you are stuck on a stitch!  A fun and social way to share your hobby and maybe learn a new one?