Introducing our Collections
|
Miscellaneous Collections
We have a wide variety of objects in our collections, ranging from a natural history cabinet of early fossils, Mesolithic and Neolithic flint implements, via items from the Roman, Medieval and Tudor eras, to the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian periods. Household and some more exotic objects from these times recall the reality of life for the people of Henfield. Reflecting the main occupation of the village until the last century, we have a large collection of vintage farming tools on display with a horse-drawn plough and mid-Victorian pump greeting visitors outside. Railway relics and an accurate model of Henfield's station remind us of the Horsham to Shoreham Railway, closed in 1966 and now in use by the village as the Downs Link cycle path. Wartime costume and an air raid siren tell of the days when the Battle of Britain raged in the skies above. The two century old school bell may ring if you're lucky and violet products tell of the once famous Allen-Brown Violet Nurseries and the guestbook of a famous actress, writer and suffrage campaigner tells the tale of high profile visitors of the past. In Pride of Place One of our most eccentric items is a working change eight bell set completed in 1850 by local carpenter and character, Bob Ward (of 'Cat House' fame). It is also hard to miss the penny farthing bicycle made in 1887 by Mr. W. A. Powell, who later displayed it above his bicycle workshop in the High Street. Nearby is a one man ambulance purchased by the Parish Council in 1908 and in use until the 1930s (find the photo of it on this site!). Photographs and Paintings The Museum holds an extensive collection of local paintings and photographs from the mid Victorian era until the late 20th century showing the village, churches, farmhouses, country houses, cottages and rural lanes - as well as the people and events which gave them life. We are also lucky to hold the extensive Marjorie Baker Collection of negatives and photographs, primarily comprising her painstaking portrait work from the 1930s to 1990s. Costume Last but not least, we hold an extensive costume collection, with a wide variety of primarily 19th to mid 20th century dresses and other items of clothing. The bright Victorian uniforms of the Sussex Rifle Volunteers are on permanent display. |
Featured ObjectSussex Rifle Volunteers Uniform
Uniforms of the Sussex Rifle Volunteers Regiment (the Territorials of their era) were made by the long established Longley Bros. outfitters, close to the museum in Henfield High Street
Find Out More...For more information on each of our collections, view the drop-down menu above under Collections.
If you have further enquiries or for copies of images, please contact the Curator. |