Description
This is the fascinating story of a local family firm. Mr Jonathan Burdett Bowler started his business in Bath in 1872 He described his trade as Engineer, Brass Founder, Gas-fitter, Lock Smith & Bell hanger. He made and repaired soda water machinery and also ran a fizzy drinks factory making such sumptuous concoctions as Orange Champagne, Hot Tom, Bath Punch and Cherry Ciderette. When Mr Bowler's grandson retired in 1969 the business closed. But remarkably it had survived up until then with its original antiquated machinery, Victorian gas light, and nothing remotely useful.
Here at the Museum of Bath at Work, Mr Bowler's factory has been saved and lovingly recreated, an intriguing corner of the city's industrial past. Wander through the rooms past the shop counter; through the Dickensian office, to the foundry, the machine shop, the carbonating plant and recall the atmosphere of a bygone age, when Mr Bowler or one of his large family would have tackled any job great or small - repairing a beer engine here, mending a pony harness there, casting a replacement part for a newfangled motor car, making gas-lit illuminations for Queen Victoria's Jubilee and, of course, putting the fizz into a myriad sparkling bottles of pop.
You'll also find reconstructions of a Bath Stone quarry face and a local cabinet-making workshop, both important aspects of the city's history. Upstairs is a cafe and shop where you can buy gifts, books and postcards. A visit to the Museum of Bath at Work gives you a chance to learn about working Bath in Victorian times, a story far removed from the elegance and gossip of the pump room. There is something here for all the family, for young and old, for visitor and resident alike.
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Foreign language leaflet or brochure available
Collections
General guide to collections available
Specialist publications on collections available
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Public access available to collections information
Disability Access
Braille information and/or interpretation
Events/teaching/resources for people with disabilities
Wheelchair access to some public areas
General Education
Academic publications and resources available
Education facilities available
Loan service
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Schools Education
Direct teaching services for schools
Primary school education service available
Secondary school education service available
Facilities
Facilities for private functions and events
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Restaurant
Shop
Study facilities
