Clifton Lane Rotherham Rotherham S65 2AA South Yorkshire England
Collection details
Agriculture, Archaeology, Architecture, Archives, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Design, Fine Art, Inland Waterways, Industry, Land Transport, Law and Order, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Photography, Religion, Science and Technology, Social History, Sport, Toys and Hobbies, Trade and Commerce, Weapons and War, World Cultures
Open
Monday to Thursday, and Saturday - 10am to 5pm
Sunday - 1.30pm to 4.30pm
Closed
Fridays
Christmas and New Year
Admission charges
Free Admission
Description
The Museum is located within Clifton House, a Grade II* listed building designed by John Carr. The house was built in 1783 as the home of Joshua Walker, son of the founder of Rotherham Ironworks, and it retains many period features. The house stands within Clifton Park, which is Rotherham's premier public park and was originally its estate.
The Museum was recently closed for two years whilst it underwent a £3m refurbishment project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It reopened on Saturday 29th January 2005.
Collections description
The House has been a museum since 1893, and is the base of Rotherham Borough's Museums, Galleries and Heritage Service. Its collections aim to reflect the natural, social and industrial development of the town of Rotherham itself as well as the geographical area covered by the Rotherham Borough. Artefacts include a large collection of earthenware and porcelain made by the Swinton (later Rockingham) Pottery Works between 1745 and 1842.
Key artists and exhibits
Key exhibits include 'Nelson', a Cape Lion specimen whom many people in the area regard as an icon for the Museum, and the 'Rhinoceros Vase', a massive showpiece made by the Rockingham Pottery Works in 1826. At over a metre tall, it was claimed at the time to have been the largest piece of porcelain ever to have been fired in one piece in England, and it demonstrates the variety of decorative and technical skills which the Works were capable of.
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Information point provided
Parking for coaches
Guided tours
Collections
General guide to collections available
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Public access available to collections information
Disability Access
Parking for disabled available
Toilets for disabled
Touch exhibits and/or handling sessions
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Wheelchair access to some public areas
Wheelchairs available for loan
Children and Families
Activities for pre-school children
Baby changing facilities
Children's play area
Events and resources for children and families
Gardens open to public
Picnic area
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
Loan service
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Teaching/resources available for HE/FE students
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
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Facilities for private functions and events
Gardens open to public
Library
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Picnic area
Refreshments
Research facilities for academics
Restaurant
Shop
Study facilities
