|
|
|
|
|
Opened in 1995, the new exhibition gallery
'Southport Seaside Garden City'
traces the
first 200 years of Southport's history from 1792 when William 'Duke' Sutton,
the Landlord of the Black Bull Inn, Churchtown (now the Hesketh Arms) built a
bathing hut on the sand dunes. Within six years the hut had become a Hotel
known as the 'South Port Hotel' (or more popularly 'Duke's Folly') and
Southport quickly developed as a popular destination for visitors. Our new
gallery examines local agriculture and industry and the development of the town.
A free audio history guide is available to visitors. Upstairs, part of the gallery is devoted to the gallant heroes of the Eliza Fernley Lifeboat, all but two of whom perished in an attempt to rescue the crew of the iron barque 'Mexico'. |
The Victorian Room features displays which illustrate Victorian life. The centre-piece is a reconstructed middle class Victorian parlour containing furnishings and ornaments donated by local people. Other displays include Victorian costume and accessories. In addition there is a display of toys dating from the Victorian period to the present day. |
)
|
)
|
The Pennington Collection of British Birds was donated to the Museum in 1938 by Mr. D.D Pennington of Birkdale. Most of the mounts and settings were executed by W.R. Hine of Lord Street. One large display brings together birds from the Ribble Marshes whilst other groupings include ducks and geese, waders and sea birds. |
Although the main galleries have more or less permanent displays, part of the museum is set aside for temporary exhibitions. Sometimes these will comprise some of those items from our own collections which are rarely on show, and at others we exchange exhibits with other museums. From time to time, we are able to have some of our more delicate items properly cleaned and restored. This is a job for highly trained conservators and their latest effort on our behalf is an 18th century brocaded dress. We are pleased to display this now in our Victorian Room. |
)
|