We’ve gone to plenty of big flashy museums around the world but there is nothing better than a small provincial town museum and Ilfracombe Museum is no exception!
This charming little museum is an absolute delight and gets regular visits from us.
It is a treasure trove of history and curiosity that offers visitors an eclectic mix of exhibits and artefacts. Founded in 1932 by Mervyn G. Palmer, the museum is housed in a distinctive Victorian building that was originally a laundry and bathhouse for the old Ilfracombe Hotel which is now the site of the Landmark Theatre. It still uses the end of a now-disused tunnel that ran between the laundry and the hotel as a small display area.
The museum’s inception was driven by Palmer’s vision to create a repository for local history, maritime heritage, and an array of oddities he collected over the years. It is somewhat reminiscent of the fabulous Pitt Rivers museum in Oxford. The artefacts on display collected by Palmer and pretty random and from far and wide, but this makes for a fascinating visit; you never know what you might stumble upon in the next display!
Historical and Maritime Collections
Ilfracombe Museum’s historical and maritime collections chronicle the town’s rich seafaring past and its evolution as a vibrant coastal community. Artefacts from shipwrecks, old navigational instruments, and maritime memorabilia provide a window into the lives of sailors and fishermen who have been an integral part of Ilfracombe’s history.
One of the highlights of the maritime collection is an old communications desk with lots of big square buttons and switches that you can play with to your heart’s desire. You can even have a go with their morae code machine.
Natural History and Geology
The museum also boasts an impressive array of natural history exhibits. The collection includes specimens of local flora and fauna, fossils, and geological samples that reveal the natural heritage of North Devon. The less squeamish visitors can marvel at the taxidermy displays, which include a wide variety of birds, mammals, and insects: So many drawers of butterflies and beetles, and not to mention the wonderful bat cupboard! There are also some large and more exotic specimens that while a bit tatty and would never be replicated in a modern museum, hold their own piece of historical charm.
The geology section complements this with a variety of rocks, minerals, and fossils, providing insight into the geological history of the area.
Curiosities and Oddities
Ilfracombe Museum has a brilliant collection of quirky items that range from the quirky to the macabre, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the museum’s founder. Among the most peculiar exhibits are a shrunken head from South America, ancient Egyptian artefacts including a mummified hand, and a collection of Victorian era domestic items that provide a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of people from that period.
These curiosities, while sometimes unsettling, are a testament to the wide-ranging interests of the museum’s early collectors and the Victorian penchant for the exotic and unusual.
Local History and Culture
The museum plays a crucial role in preserving and presenting the local history and culture of Ilfracombe and its surrounding areas. Exhibits dedicated to notable local figures, historical events, and everyday life in the town help to paint a comprehensive picture of the community’s past. Photographs, documents, and personal artefacts tell the stories of Ilfracombe’s residents, from its early settlers to prominent families and individuals who have shaped the town’s development.
A particularly interesting display is on the old railway line (discontinued many years ago now). Lots of memorabilia and photographs plus a video showing the route the train took from Barnstaple and what parts of the route look like today.
There is also a deeply moving war memorial. During the war the menfolk of Ilfracombe on service (or their families) gave photographs to the town. Each one is displayed with the name of the soldier along with letters sent to and from the men.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
Ilfracombe Museum is not just a repository of artefacts; it is also an active educational resource for the community. The museum offers a range of educational programs and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. School groups frequently visit the museum to participate in interactive workshops and guided tours that align with their curriculum, providing a hands-on learning experience that brings history to life.
The museum also hosts a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year, often in collaboration with local artists, historians, and community groups. These events help to foster a sense of community and encourage local residents to take an active interest in their heritage.
Conservation and Future Plans
Conservation is a key focus for Ilfracombe Museum, ensuring that its collections are preserved for future generations. The museum employs modern conservation techniques to care for its artefacts, including climate-controlled storage, careful handling, and regular maintenance. Volunteers play a crucial role in these efforts, contributing their time and expertise to help preserve the museum’s treasures.
Looking ahead, the museum is in need of a new home. Its current building is old and requires extensive repairs – far beyond the means of the museum – so premises are being sought and the future of the museum is uncertain.
Head on over to their website for all details. The museum is not free for adults, although kids go free, and they also have a lovely shop song little pocket money toys, some local crafts and a fine selection of local history books and resources.
