… continuing my trip to Chertsey with a visit to the local museum, although to call it local is to somewhat misrepresent this quite splendid jewel.
Chertsey Museum is the local authority museum for the whole Borough of Runnymede, which extends to include Addlestone, Egham, Egham Hythe, Chertsey, Thorpe, Virginia Water and Englefield Green; an area of some 30 sq. miles with a population over 80,000.
The Borough is within the Thames Valley, the town of Chertsey itself stands on the River Thames, and the collection includes archaeological discoveries from the region of national significance, such as geological specimens, prehistoric bones and antlers; there’s even a Viking sword.
The museum is housed in a Regency building known as The Cedars with the displays laid out over three floors – there is an accessible lift for those unable or unwilling to take the stairs. Entry, which is free, is towards the rear of the building where there is a reception desk and small shop.
Click here for a building history: The Cedars
Click here for a building history: The Cedars
There are various displays and items related to the political, social and economic history of the Borough. The Industrial Revolution, Wars, Transport and the effects they had on town and rural life are all explored with a combination of information boards, artefacts, photographs, interactive computer displays, hands-on exhibits and video screens. Chertsey Abbey features of course, and there are 13th century lead glazed tiles and stone work from the site on display.
The first displays the visitor is likely to encounter are those of the Costume Exhibition. Themed around different styles and beautifully presented, the costumes are part of the Olive Matthews Collection of Costume & Accessories loaned by the Olive Matthews Trust which has been supporting the museum since the 1970s. Click the link to find out more about Olive Mathews and the Trust.
The 800th Anniversary of Magna Carta and the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War are both commemorated with Temporary Exhibitions. The former runs throughout the whole of 2015 and the latter until August 1st – both are excellent.
The First World War exhibition is entitled “Runnymede Remembered” and focusses on the effect the Great War had on the Borough. Exhibits include press cuttings, photographs, posters and paintings. Model aircraft from the period hang as if in flight which, together with a full-size wooden propeller, reference the nearby Lang propeller manufacturing company.
There are various munitions on display (including a machine gun!), a model depicting how the Trenches were laid out, and I was particularly moved by the netting anchored to the ceiling which has been adorned with Poppies: Lest we Forget.
Other things to see and explore include various long-case clocks, Greek pottery, material relating to the Chertsey iron foundries, as well as various works of art. For the young, including the young at heart, the museum provides an “Explorers Pack” – a lightweight rucksack containing a museum trail, a magnifying glass, a tape measure and colouring pencils – inspired.
There is something here for everyone and the staff, who I found to be friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, organise various events throughout the year with many aimed at the Family and Children. For more information follow this link to the Museum Website: Chertsey Museum
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