Our Collections

Museums Worcestershire cares for the museum collections of the city of Worcester and the county of Worcestershire, for the benefit of residents and visitors today and for future generations tomorrow.

The Worcestershire County collection reflects the cultural history of a quintessentially rural English county. It includes a nationally important collection of colourful gypsy caravans, beautiful costume and domestic history, archaeology, travel and transport and examples from significant industries including the Bromsgrove Guild.

The earliest parts of the Worcester City collection are the Victorian natural history and fine art collections which deepen our understanding of the local landscape. The story of human occupation of a typically English town and its subsequent development and use is told in the social history and archaeology collections. They include objects from significant multi-layered excavation sites and represent Worcester’s main industries of glove-, porcelain- and sauce- and vinegar-making.

Our team of knowledgeable curators run a weekly blog, Research Worcestershire, revealing their latest research and favourite stories from the collection.

Viewing the collections

We display as much of the City and County collections as possible across our three museums. Regular exhibitions at the Art Gallery and Museum focus on significant works such as pieces by David Cox, Benjamin Williams Leader and Stanhope Forbes.

However, only a small percentage of the collections are on display at any one time, the rest is packaged and stored safely in our Collections Centre – a treasure trove of social and industrial history, archaeology and art.

Researchers should contact museumcollections@worcestershire.gov.uk to arrange access to our collections store.

Talks, Tours & Workshops

Enjoy a host of fantastic events:

  • spotlight talks
  • special tours of exhibitions or the Collections Centre
  • family craft sessions and workshops inspired by our latest exhibitions

Explore our What’s On page.

An overview of the Collections Store:

Donating objects

If you would like to donate object(s) or bring in any for an enquiry, please email museumcollections@worcestershire.gov.uk with an image of the object, a description of what it is and any background history. The Collections Team will get back to you with what to do next. Or alternately ring and ask for the Collections Ambassador at Worcester Art Gallery and Museum on 01905 25371.

The Tickenhill Collection

The Worcestershire County collection includes The Tickenhill Collection, registered charity 527509, an important collection preserving the rural history of our county, put together by the Parker family and cared for by the County Council for public benefit through display and educational activities. The charity’s annual report for 2020-21 can be seen here.