Erewash Museum collects objects and archives relating to the history of the borough. This includes the areas of:
- Breadsall
- Breaston
- Dale Abbey
- Draycott and Church Wilne
- Ilkeston
- Little Eaton
- Long Eaton
- Morley
- Ockbrook and Borrowash
- Risley
- Sandiacre
- Sawley
- Stanley and Stanley Common
- Stanton-by-Dale
- West Hallam
The themes, chronology and materials of objects are broad, including Roman pottery from Wilne Cross, medieval floor tiles from Dale Abbey, Victorian costume, First and Second World War letters and diaries, and 1950s grocery and medicinal products. Together, all the collections provide a full story of the history of Erewash.
The museum displays largely focus on modern history providing information on everyday life of those living and working in the borough. Important industrial sites such as Stanton Ironworks, local pit collieries, and lace factories are key collecting areas. The museum holds a great deal of material relating to the twentieth century, from domestic bygones to military uniforms, we cover every area of daily life.
Military history:
With objects relating to both World Wars, the Crimean War and others, Erewash Museum’s military history collection offers a local perspective of modern conflict of those experiencing it from Erewash.
A key highlight is the Hope Robinson collection, comprising hundreds of letters sent to Ilkeston woman Hope Robinson in her effort to spread awareness of the condition of Japanese Prisoner of War camps, where her husband was living with her having no knowledge of his welfare.
The museum also holds a lot of objects about local regiments, such as the Sherwood Foresters (now the Mercian Regiment), including uniforms, writings from the servicemen, and medals.
Social and industrial history:
Erewash benefits from a rich history of industry, which is reflected in the holdings of the museum. Hundreds of examples of lacework, miner’s helmets, and iron bears (a mixture of iron, un-burnt coke, brick and slag which accumulated at the bottom of the furnace and had to be periodically removed) are just a small example of how the museum tells the story of industry within Erewash.
Photography:
The thousands of photographs in the collection showcase the history of the borough and how much it has changed.
Some of the key moments that have been captured on film are the development of Stanton Ironworks and the end of the Second World War.
The museum also holds important collections showcasing the professional work of Seaman and Co., a local photography studio at the end of the nineteenth century with a studio in Ilkeston.
Art:
Through generous donations by local artist and patrons, the museum holds a substantial art collection dating from the seventeenth century through to twentieth century modern art movements.
Some of our great art collection includes the Lally Collection and pieces from Edward Loxton-Knight.
The Howitt Bequest, donated by Charles Sydney Howitt in 1918, comprises a large collection of artworks, largely oil paintings, spanning hundreds of years. We also hold intricate sculptures of woodwork and metal work, such as a decorative urn produced by the Handyside Company in the 19th century.
Costume and textiles:
The museum has a large collection of mixed materials, including military uniform, domestic fashions, and wedding dresses. Numerous lace factories within the borough were a central feature of the industrial and creative landscape of Erewash and the museum holds many examples of patterns and fine garments.
If you are considering donating something to the museum, please read and complete the Potential Object Donation form.
Potential object donation form
Any object offered to the museum must meet the points outlined in the museum’s Collections Development Policy and fulfil the following criteria:
- Evidence of being made or used in the Borough of Erewash.
- Accompanied by supporting information, such as photographs or receipts
- Size, weight and condition will be taken into consideration
- Whether the museum already has a similar item in the collection, or is a reproduction, duplicate or replica will also be taken into consideration.