This is a wonderful and magnificent museum set in the heart of the town of Northampton. The museum covers the history of Northampton in a very informative and in depth way giving you a clear idea of its growth from a small settlement in the Medieval period to the large that it is today. There is a temporary exhibition covering the history of shoemaking in the town of Northampton from which the town is famous for and the history is covered from the medieval period and how came about from local livestock such as cows, the processes of making shoes by hand through to the machine processes during the victorian age and also how factories were developed to help facilitate shoemaking. The history of shoemaking also talks about worker's conditions in the factory, pay and the hours they worked and how the shoemaking dropped before still being a part of one of the main industries in the town and all of which is very enlightening, interesting and fascinating to read about and the displays are laid out very well and in easy to understand way. In the history of shoemaking you can see some interesting artefacts such equipment used in the shoemaking processes and shoes from the past that have been made in the town. The shoe gallery goes to into the history of shoes around the world and covers the different types of shoes that there is and the Cultural meaning to people around the world and there are interesting different types of shoe in the display cabinets to see. There are two art gallery rooms on the second floor with an array of paintings being advertised for sale in one room and some more contemporary ones in the second room and all of the paintings have amazing details on them and are great on the eye to see. On the top floor is the history of Northampton galleries spread over two galleries. The first gallery covers from the Prehistoric era and covers other eras such as The Iron Age, Roman Times, Anglo Saxon Times, Norman Times & up to the English Civil War period and you can learn about the settlements of Dunston and Hamtun and how people lived during the Roman and Anglo Saxon Times and how trade was conducted in these places and the settlements they lived. There are some wonderful examples of Roman Pottery, Flint Axe Heads and Anglo Saxon Jewellery on display to see which is in marvellous condition. You can also learn about the town and its castle which was built during the Norman times and how it became a key command post and also a key place for the royalty of the land and mentions about the visit by King John. You can also learn about how shoemaking started and the English Civil War and how the town had received a large order to make shoes and boots for Cromwell's Army. The second gallery talks about the that destroyed part of the town and you can audio play of this event and how the town was reborn from it. The second gallery talks about the industries that help the town grow such as Shoemaking, Brewing and Ironmaking and how these Industries transformed the industries from a leisure and social point of view. Again all of the displays are displayed with the right amount of information and in an easy to understand way. Overall this is a thoroughly enjoyable and enthralling place to visit and makes for a very interesting and enlightening day out. Definitely well worth a visit whilst in...
Read moreThe Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is a popular cultural attraction located in the heart of Northampton, UK. The museum is home to a vast collection of art and artefacts, spanning the town's history from the prehistoric era to the present day.
The museum's exhibits are varied and engaging, with something to interest visitors of all ages. The art gallery features a range of works, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, from both local and international artists. The museum also has exhibits on the town's history, including its involvement in the Civil War and the shoemaking industry, which was once the backbone of the town's economy.
One of the museum's most notable exhibits is the largest collection of shoes in the world, with over 12,000 shoes and boots on display, showcasing the town's rich history in the shoemaking industry.
The museum's interior is modern and well-designed, with interactive exhibits and informative displays that engage visitors and help them learn about the town's rich history. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, providing excellent customer service and helping visitors get the most out of their visit.
In addition to its exhibits, the museum also hosts a range of events and activities throughout the year, including workshops, talks, and exhibitions. The museum also has a shop selling souvenirs and books, and a café serving hot and cold drinks and light meals.
Overall, the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, or culture. Its vast collection of artefacts, engaging exhibits, and friendly staff make it a popular destination for locals and...
Read moreVisited the museum and cafe today and whilst I thoroughly enjoyed the ‘May the Toys Be With You’ exhibit which was exceptional, the visit to the cafe was disappointing. The cafe is alluring with its modern design and comfortable indoor seating (outdoor seating and tables could do with a clean). However, after ordering two lattes (£3.25 each), we found the coffee quality to be extremely poor. I asked if the lattes were one shot or two (as the glasses were quite tall) and was informed they were one shot. I requested two which was given at no extra charge. However, when they arrived, the glasses were extremely hot and seemingly no effort had gone into the presentation of them. When they had cooled a little, the taste was bitter and so unpleasant that we couldn’t drink it. When I returned them and explained this, requesting a pot of tea instead, they gave this to me no question and the lady on the till was very pleasant and accommodating. I asked if they knew about Yellow Bourbon Coffee just round the corner and if they might consider using the coffee and she explained they were going to get some beans from a local roastery in Wellingborough (Bella Barista) in a few weeks. I think this would be a very sensible decision as going out for a coffee is something people do as a treat (especially in the current climate with the cost of living going up), but customers might not mind paying a little extra if the coffee is good. Thank you for listening to my feedback and...
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