Salford Museum and Art Gallery

UK Museums: Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester

Salford Museum and Art Gallery in Peel Park, Manchester opened in 1850 as the Royal Museum and Public Library. The museum is dedicated to the history and heritage of Salford.

History

Lark Hill estate and mansion were purchased by public subscription to form Peel Park and the original Royal Museum and Public Library.

In the 1870s a new Langworthy Wing was added. Later in the 1930s the original Lark Hill mansion was deemed unsound, demolished and replaced in the same style as the Langworthy Wing.

The ornate interior of the museum and art gallery. — The ornate interior of the museum and art gallery

The building is in the center of the University of Salford, surrounded by both civic and educational buildings.

Lark Hill Place. — Original Victorian shops in Lark Hill Place

Collections

Today, Salford Museum and Art Gallery contains a large collection of Victorian period and later art in the Victorian Gallery. Among the artists whose work is on display are Philip Hermogenes Calderon (1833-1898), Charles Landseer (1799-1879) , Arthur Perigal (1784-1847), and William Bruce Ellis Ranken (1881-1941).

Over 400 artworks by the Salford-born painter L. S. Lowry were transferred to The Lowry in Salford Quays, though a few paintings and sketches by Lowry still remain on show.

The Pilkington Ceramic Collection is the largest collection in the UK of ceramics produced by Pilkington's Lancastrian Pottery & Tiles, once a large manufacturer of tiles, vases and bowls, based in Clifton Junction near Swinton, Salford.

The By Hand gallery launched in 2013 and showcases the work of local designer-makers.

One notable feature of the museum is the Lark Hill Place exhibit, which recreates a typical Victorian street scene using original shop fronts. It allows visitors to step back in time and experience what life was like in Salford during the 19th century. The exhibit includes a variety of period shops, houses, and businesses, complete with authentic artifacts and furnishings.

The library is open by appointment on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. It holds a vast collection of photographs, documents, maps and newspapers relating to Salford's history.

The stunning Victorian Gallery with paintings and sculpture on display. — The stunning Victorian Gallery with paintings and sculpture on display

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Peel Park, Salford. — Peel Park, Salford

Access - Getting There

Peel Park, The Crescent, Salford, M5 4WU
Tel: 0161 778 0800
www: salfordmuseum.com

Hours

Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm; Wednesday: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm; Thursday: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm; Friday: 9.30 am to 4.00 pm; Saturday: 11.30 am to 4.00 pm; Sunday: 11.30 am to 4.00 pm.

Free admission.

The excellent museum café is open weekdays from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm and weekends from 11.30 am to 4.00 pm, except for bank holidays.

There is also a museum shop selling work by local artists and crafts people.

The Royal Museum and Public Library as it was opened in 1850. — The Royal Museum and Public Library, as it was, opened in 1850

Public Transport

The museum is a short walk from Salford Crescent station. From Salford Crescent Station, there are regular trains to Manchester Victoria, Manchester Piccadilly, Oxford Road, as well as other destinations in Greater Manchester.

Several buses also call at the station. These include the 8 from Manchester City Centre to Bolton, the 34, 34A, 36, 37, 38, 50, 67 Salford’s Reds, 67A Salford’s Reds, 100 Salford’s Reds, RHS1, V1 Vantage to Manchester Royal Infirmary, V2 Vantage, and the X39 from Farnworth to Piccadilly Gardens.

Other excellent libraries, museums and art galleries in Manchester include the Portico Library, the Manchester Museum, People's History Museum, the Greater Manchester Police Museum, the Whitworth Art Gallery and the Transport Museum.