Collection: Brampton Museum

Collection-level records:

• Collection history (Collection development policy)

  Joseph Mayer donated his collection of artworks to the Corporation of Newcastle under Lyme in the 1880s.

  When the museum was first opened in the Lancaster buildings in 1943 these artworks were central to the displays. Other items included the Borough Council’s historical documents and objects as well as interesting and locally significant items donated by local people such as local historian Thomas Pape, Alderman Wain, Mr Warrilow, and the Harrison family.

  The initial intention was to collect and display the history of the Borough. However over time the museum became a depository of ‘old things’ from the Borough.

  This was partially due to the lack of policy and also because some curators began collecting items from their area of expertise, personal interest and perhaps what they thought the public would like to see. This accounts for some weaponry, ethnography, geology, scientific instruments and electronic devices and other items with little or no connection to Newcastle other than perhaps being donated by local people.

  In some areas much duplication is evident as there was not a full catalogue until 2009.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: 2016

  Licence: CC BY-NC

• Collection overview (Collection development policy)

  The aim of the Brampton Museum and Art Gallery is to hold items related to the current boundaries of the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme, from pre historic times to present.

  Source: Collection development policy

  Date: 2016

  Licence: CC BY-NC