Collections

The museum was established and opened in 1917 as the result of the generosity of local benefactor Edward Melly.  From the beginning its collections were mixed comprising paintings, firearms and ceramics.   The collections grew quickly under the custodianship of Edward Melly who was honorary curator until his death in 1941.

 

From the outset the development of the museum was jointly driven by the gifts of objects from local people and Melly himself.  The collections have continued to develop, often reflecting the passions of previous curators.  The museum is now responsible for more than 13,500 items which include ethnography, fine and applied art, social and industrial history and personalia.  

 

The most recent acquisition policy has defined future collecting should concentrate on collecting local/social history items which are reflective of all communities living and working in the Borough. These items are kept for both the community and future generations.  Through interpreting these items the museum service can enable people to better understand their surroundings, learn from history and see the world through other people’s stories.  This increases local people’s understanding and knowledge of the world and we hope to make them better citizens.

 

Items from the museum's collection related to George Eliot can be seen on Windows on Warwickshire use advanced search to locate individual items.

The collection roughly splits into three areas.  A core collection given by local patrons including the museum and art gallery's instigator Edward Melly of good quality late nineteenth century oil paintings.  A smaller collection of good quality local artist's works for example Patty Townsend.  The third collection is that of works collected from local art society shows generally with a local connection during the 1970s and 1980s.  The most notable picture held at the museum is,  "Before the Deluge" by Roelant Savery

 

To view images from the museum's art collections please go to