This section covers museum collections in the ceremonial counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire. This page is still a work in progress. Working links to partner organisations coming soon.

Chatsworth

They say 'Explore the historic house, discover fascinating stories and enjoy one of Europe's most significant art collections.'

Derby Museum and Art Gallery

In the heart of the city, Derby’s Museum and Art Gallery is home to a fascinating and diverse range of nationally (and internationally) important collections.

Leicestershire & Rutland

Leicester City Museums

They say 'Leicester city museums was born in 1849 when we first took responsibility for a collection of objects of scientific and cultural interest from the Leicester Literary and Philosophical Society and opened a permanent museum to show them.'

Leicester Museums & Galleries

They say 'Leicester has a vibrant cultural scene with a growing number of exhibition spaces ranging from modern and old masters at New Walk Museum & Art Gallery to independent artist-led space at Two Queens in the Cultural Quarter.'

Leicestershire County Council MuseumsLink opens in a new window

'Our museum collections record the natural life of Leicestershire and reflect the lives, histories and interests of the people who have made Leicestershire their home. 

Most of the objects in the collections have been given to the museum service by local people, institutions, businesses and organisations or have been purchased with the support of local Friends groups or national grants.

Highlights of the museum collections are displayed in our market town museums (Melton Carnegie Museum, Harborough Museum, Charnwood Museum) and Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and feature in exhibitions at community venues.

The collections housed in our various collections hubs around the county are used by researchers, students, artists and designers in a variety of different ways.'

Rutland County MuseumLink opens in a new window

'Rutland County Museum is the perfect introduction to England’s smallest County of Rutland. The Museum’s original collections were those transferred to it when it was set up in 1967. These were the rural life collection of Mr E G Bolton from Casterton School and the mainly archaeological collection from Oakham School.

The museum now has an extensive rural life collection, domestic and social history objects and large collection of local archaeology.'

Lincolnshire

The Collection, Lincoln

They say 'Lincoln’s archaeology museum and the Usher Gallery. Operated by Lincolnshire County Council in partnership with the City of Lincoln Council, the Arts Council England, British Museum and Art Fund. Supported by the Friends of Lincoln Museums and Art Gallery, the Usher Trust and the Heslam Trust.'

Northamptonshire

Corby Borough Council Collection

They say 'Corby Borough Council collects material from the council’s administrative area, only collecting items proven to be of exceptional or unique importance and that relate to previous collecting.'

Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

They say 'Northampton Borough Council’s museum service cares for the largest collection of objects charting the history of shoes in the world. The collection is Designated as being of national and international significance and consists of 12,000 shoes and 50,000 archival records including documentary footage and fine art.'

Nottinghamshire

National Civil War Centre - Newark Museum

They say 'Discover how the people of Newark survived three sieges by dodging cannon fire, hammering flat family silver to make coins, only for plague to ravage the town. Put yourself on the front line, feel the weight of armour and weapons and aim to destroy the Governor’s House as a Parliamentarian gunner.'

Newark Air Museum

They say 'In addition to aircraft the museum displays a diverse display of aviation artefacts and a collection of more than thirty aero engines.'

Newark Town Hall Museum & Art Gallery

They say 'In 1999, Newark Town Council opened up a museum within the building to allow daily access to its treasures. In addition to the rooms with displays on the first floor, visitors can enjoy an excellent Fine Art Gallery, the Spotlight Gallery and a Civic Gallery on the second floor.'

Nottingham City Museums and Galleries

They say 'The service currently oversees seven sites - Newstead Abbey, Wollaton Hall and Park with Natural History Museum, and Nottingham Industrial Museum, Nottingham Castle and Brewhouse Yard and Greens Windmill with the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Museum located within the Castle grounds.'

University of Nottingham Museum

They say 'The University of Nottingham Museum was opened in 1933 when Felix Oswald, a Roman pottery specialist donated his collection to the University. The wide variety of objects reflects the everyday lives of people living in this area over this wide period of time.'