Wigan Heritage Service Library Street Wigan WN1 1NU Lancashire England
The Wickham Gallery at The History Shop
Collection details
Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Industry, Music, Natural Sciences, Photography, Science and Technology, Social History
Description
This magnificent Grade II listed building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse in 1878 as a public library for Wigan, is now the hub of Wigan Heritage Services, and the place to come for everyone wishing to discover their own and the borough’s history.
In the Wickham Gallery you will find a selection of the borough’s fine art collection together with ‘Wigan On the Map’ a unique exhibition featuring colourful banner maps from every corner of the borough.
Making the most of this stunning example of Victorian library interiors, the Taylor Galley is home to Wigan’s collection of local books, pamphlets, maps, photographs and newspapers. For those wishing to trace their family tree, the gallery also has a well equipped genealogical study area with Family History workshops available weekly.
The "Founded on Coal" exhibition can also be found in the Taylor Gallery. This permanent exhibition tells the story of our borough in words, pictures, and objects form earliest time to present date.
Throughout the year The History Shop hosts a calendar of exhibitions and events.
Learning is at the heart of everything we produce at The History Shop and there is plenty to see and do. For 2008 a new programme of innovative learning workshops have been designed for schools, colleges and community/interest groups. For further information contact the learning team on 01942 828128.
Exciting developments...
In 2008, work will begin to re-develop the History Shop which has been awarded £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a total refurbishment, including a lift, new educational facilities, new exhibitions and state of the art computer and micro-form readers and printers. Wigan Council has matched this sum with £405,000 to be spent restoring and re-roofing this fine historical landmark and listed building. The total scheme is £1.3 million, with contributions of £325,000 from Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust and £100,000 from other sources.
As well greatly enhancing visitor experience, the grant will allow the Heritage Service to develop the History Shop as a hub for heritage in the borough and enable us to work more closely with all our local communities.
General Information
Pre-booking service for groups
Information point provided
Guided tours
Collections
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Disability Access
Toilets for disabled
Wheelchair access to some public areas
Children and Families
Events and resources for children and families
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Education facilities available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
Schools Education
Direct teaching services for schools
Primary school education service available
Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
Secondary school education service available
Facilities
Facilities for private functions and events
Library
Library with public access
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Research facilities for academics
Shop
Study facilities
