Past Exhibitions
Over the years, the Museum of Richmond has had the pleasure of exploring the vast and varied history of the borough whose natural beauty inspired writers and artists alike, as well as attracted royalty and the aristocracy.
To reflect this rich and fascinating history, the Museum has had exhibitions devoted to the famous historical artistic and literary figures that found a home here. Additionally, a number of exhibitions have focused on the borough’s exciting political history, being a major home of the monarchy and elite of society for many years. Richmond’s role as the home of many major beneficiaries of the slave trade made it a popular location for abolitionist efforts, as well as the site of the Britain’s first Poppy Factory and numerous Suffragette campaigns.
The Museum of Richmond’s 30th Anniversary
20 October 2018 – 23 February 2019
The Museum of Richmond celebrates its 30th Anniversary in 2018. To mark the occasion this Temporary Exhibition will explore the Museum’s collections, past exhibitions and events through the eyes of 30 influential individuals from the Museum’s 30 years. Visit to find out more and get involved with the various events and activities, which will be taking place throughout the exhibition.
Archaeology: Richmond’s Prehistory
5th May- October 2018
In this exhibition visitors discovered more about the prehistory of the local area through the archaeological finds on display. What do archaeologists do and what stories do these objects tell? This exhibition had something for all ages with great objects and insight for interested adults alongside fun family friendly interactives, which were designed by our Youth Panel!
Click here to find out more about the Youth Panel
This exhibition is generously supported by the John & Ruth Howard Charitable Trust.
POVERTY
23 September 2017 to 22 April 2018
Richmond is an affluent area, but there have always been pockets of poverty. This exhibition was about the poor and how they lived. It will looked at the workhouses, almshouses and individuals who worked to alleviate the suffering of the poor and the charities which continue to offer support today.
The exhibition was be based upon a new publication from Richmond Local History Society and was funded by the Richmond Parish Lands Charity, the Richmond Charities, the Barnes Workhouse Fund and generous individual donors.
To find out more about the case studies and resources schools can use to help study this topic, visit our Discovery Box page
Old Palace Lane: Medieval to Modern Richmond
6th May – 16th Sept 2017
The subject of this exhibition is arguably the most historic street in Richmond; Old Palace Lane. Its varied history can almost be viewed as a history of Richmond in microcosm. Its story goes back to the medieval period, when a crane wharf was first installed where the lane meets the Thames. Since then, many different developments have occurred on the lane in terms of its industry, infrastructure and social changes.
The Royal Star & Garter: 100 Years of Care
5 November 2016 to 29 April 2017
This exhibition told the story of the local institution which over the last 100 years has pioneered the way we care for our retired servicemen and competitive sport for disabled people.
The exhibition was formally opened by HRH Princess Alexandra, patron of both the Museum and the Royal Star & Garter Home.
Capability 300
1 July - 29 October 2016
‘Capability 300’ is a celebration of the life and works of landscape gardening legend Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. It features original plans, prints, art and photography that portray his work and influences. The exhibition forms part of a national celebration of the 300th birthday of Brown; it comes to us as a touring exhibition from Orleans House Gallery.
Images of Richmond
5 March - 25 June 2016
This exhibition features prints from the collection of renowned local historian John Cloake (1924-2014). This beautiful collection comes to us from Orleans House gallery.
Cloake began to amass a collection of Richmond prints when he moved to the borough in 1963. Initially he set out on a journey to discover the origins of his home on Richmond Hill, purchasing prints to accompany the major discoveries he made. From there, Cloake became involved in the writing of many local histories, the formation of the town’s Local History Society, and the initiation of the Museum of Richmond; a true champion for local studies in the borough.
75 Years After the Battle of Britain: Richmond Remembers the Second World War
15 September - 28 February 2016
To mark the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the museum collaborated with the Richmond Local History Society on an exhibition that looked at Richmond’s experience of the Second World War. This exhibition focused on the effects of the Blitz, rationing, civil defence and many other aspects of every day life during wartime.
1914-1918: Richmond at Home and at War
8th August 2014 - 22nd April 2015
Drawing on archival research performed by volunteers, this exhibition explored the impact of the First World War on the lives of Richmond residents, including the arrival of refugees from Europe and the restrictions placed on everyday life. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this exhibition provided an opportunity for visitors from Richmond and beyond to learn more about the part played by the town during the Great War.
Encountering the Uncharted and Back – Three Explorers; Ball, Vancouver and Burton
30th January 2014 - 26th July 2014
This exhibition drew on local and national collections, complementing recent research into the lives of explorers George Vancouver and Sir Richard Burton. Additionally, the exhibition examined the life of naval commander Rear Admiral Henry Lidgbird Ball. These three men were all buried in the Borough of Richmond, and are a testament to the town’s relationship to the increased understanding of faraway lands being promoted across Europe.