Bagshaw Museum: Five things you shouldn't miss on your next visit
Have you visited Bagshaw Museum in Batley? The gothic building in Wilton Park began life as a home for local textiles manufacturer George Sheard and his family. Now a museum, its galleries showcase what makes Batley and the local area so special and the objects within the walls tell the stories of the people that call this area home.
Here is a quick-fire selection of some of our favourite items to look out for on your next visit.
Fox's biscuit tins
Fox's Biscuits are a well loved British staple, but did you know they began in Batley?
Founded in 1853, Fox's has been part of the town's story for over 170 years. To mark this local connection, Bagshaw Museum cares for a lovely selection of Fox's biscuit tins, alongside toys and advertising items that reflect how the brand grew and became a household name.
Where can I see them? Places on the Street Gallery, ground floor
Noel and Violet Bagshaw
The museum opened to the public in 1911 with Walter Bagshaw acting as the museum's first curator. He travelled widely, gave lectures, and loved collecting. On his death in 1927 the museum, formerly the Wilton Park Museum, was renamed after him. Walter's children Noel and Violet Baghaw were appointed as honorary curators and this painting of them by John William Brooke hangs in the Bagshaw Gallery which explores the family's contributions to the local area.
Bagshaw Museum has some amazing art within its walls, but this piece in particular helps tell the story of why the museum is the way you see it today.
Where can I see it? The Bagshaw Gallery, ground floor.
Ancient Egyptian writing set
On the first floor of the museum is the Kingdom of Osiris Gallery where you can learn about the daily life and rituals of ancient Egyptians.
This writing set offers a glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. Writing was very important to them, and they left a vast number of written materials. They wrote on walls, wax tablets, coffins, amulets and pottery. Some people were literate in various languages, as the Nile enabled travel and access to the Mediterranean and Europe, and artefacts have been found with Greek writing. However, probably less than 1% of society were literate.
View the writing set in 3D here Kirklees Museums and Galleries - Sketchfab .
Where can I see it? The Kingdom of Osiris Gallery, first floor.
Oil safety lamp
This mining safety lamp was used to detect dangerous gases, such as methane, in the coal mines. It was crucial for the safety of the miners and could mark the difference between life and death.
Mining heritage has shaped people in Kirklees' lives and experiences for a long time. You can learn more about mining heritage in Kirklees by reading Unearthing the past: Mining heritage at Oakwell Hall and Bagshaw Museum written by our assistant curator, Katie.
Where can I see it? Places On The Street Gallery, ground floor.
Qur'an bag
This bag is designed to hold the Qur'an when it is not being read. It is decorated with metallic and silk embroidery, and the beautiful craftsmanship demonstrates the respect held for the text.
There are many other examples of embroidery throughout the museum spanning different countries and contexts so make sure you look out for them on your next visit.
Read Embroidery - what's the point? by our Senior Curator, Katina, which explores some of the embroidery in our collection.
Where can I see it? South Asia Gallery, first floor.
Come and see these fascinating items in person or explore Bagshaw virtually through our dedicated virtual tour .
