Our Collections

The Cookworthy Room

In 1670 Thomas Crispin built and endowed the Grammar School.

The Cookworthy Room is the old schoolroom, where generations of boys carved their initials into its wood panelled walls.

Here you will find a permanent exhibition illustrating how Kingsbridge and the surrounding villages have developed throughout the centuries.

Displays about the history of Kingsbridge in the Cookworthy Room

The Cookworthy Collection

William Cookworthy, after whom this Museum is named, experimented with porcelain production for years before he opened the Plymouth factory, which operated from 1768-1770. (He didn’t gain a patent for porcelain until 1768). He moved the factory to Bristol in 1770 in partnership with Richard Champion, and retired in 1773. The Museum has on display various Cookworthy pieces including this lovely moulded and fluted sauceboat with underglaze blue decoration (1768-1770).

The Ilbert Room

This is where our new Costume Gallery will display treasures from our collections of dresses, hats, shoes and accessories from times gone by. An on-going, two-year project – funded by a generous grant from the Art Fund – which will be constantly changing. Come and view the curator getting the garments ready for display, underpinning the dresses with bustles, puffing out the sleeves, shining the shoes etc.

Costume Gallery

The Lorenz Room

The new exhibition here – “Six Weeks To Go” – is about life in the South Hams during World War II as American troops evacuated whole villages (both people and cattle!) – including Slapton and Blackawton – to enable the troops to partake in D-Day preparations.

The Duncombe Room

The exciting photographic exhibition on local shipwrecks, fishermen, salty sea-dogs, the coast and the dangers that lurk there, lifeboats and the men who rescued imperilled sailors and travellers – “On The Rocks” – is on display here.

If you find a particular view that appeals to you, copies of the images can be ordered – just ask the steward.

There is also a computer kiosk where you can access images of current and previous exhibitions and our vast collection of historic local photographs.

The Crispin Room

This is where our volunteers audit and photograph objects and prepare new collections. Check to see if the room is open – if there is something interesting going on, the notice at the bottom of the stairs will invite you to come up and take a look.

The Victorian Kitchen

The huge cast iron range came from the local foundry in Duke Street. Meals were cooked on it for up to 60 boarders at the School as well as for the Headmaster’s household. The kitchen, with its farmhouse table and built-in dresser, is equipped with the tools, pots, dishes, moulds and cutlery necessary for a large Victorian establishment.

Cooking pots on the range in the Victorian Kitchen

The Farm Gallery

This is in the walled garden behind the main building. It contains a wide range of farm machinery and equipment, from heavy equipment such as a cider press to hand tools.

The local engineering workshops built a range of farming equipment, including wagons to cope with the narrow lanes and steep hills of the South Hams.

We also have facilities for repairing and restoring the machinery.

Farm Gallery display showing hayrick and farm cart
 
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