Collections

Image caption: Part of Islamic style print by Huma Mustaq

Art

The art collection has a strong emphasis on local subjects and local artists. It includes landscapes, portraits and historical scenes in oils, watercolour, print and sculpture dating from the 17th to the 21st centuries. A significant proportion of the art collection can be seen on display in our gallery.

Furniture industry

The furniture industry collection represents the Wycombe district and the wider Thames Valley/Chilterns region. The furniture collection includes Windsor chairs from the 18th to the 20th centuries, other locally produced chairs including cane and rush seated from the 19th and 20th centuries, a small selection of chairs from other regions and a small selection of other types of furniture.

The collection of tools includes those used by bodgers working in the Chilterns' woods as well as tools from local factories and workshops. Documents and catalogues include companies such as Glenister, Skull, Birch, Bartlett, Ercol and Gomme (makers of the G-Plan range). The collection also includes miniature furniture and sample pieces and a collection of carving patterns.

Photographs

The photographic collection includes glass plate negatives, negatives and photographic prints. It covers a wide range of views and subjects relating to the Wycombe district, including a strong collection of images of the furniture industry and trade. The photographic collection mainly dates to the 20th century with some 19th and 21st century examples.

Wycombe's historical photographs are available to view on line and can also be purchased. Prints can be ordered from Wycombe Museum or the Wycombe Library. Find out more on the Sharing Wycombe's Old Photographs (SWOP) website.

Social history

The social history collection represents everyday life in the Wycombe district. Items date from Norman times right up to the present day, although most are from the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes domestic objects such as cooking utensils, clothing, coins and tokens, oral history recordings, civic items such as those relating to the office of mayor. It also includes objects relating to the working lives of people in the district including lace and lace making equipment, paper making and straw plait.

Museums with related collections

Chiltern Open Air Museum: rebuilt chair factory from High Wycombe.

The Geffrye Museum: English furniture.

Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery: arts and crafts furniture.

Museum of English Rural Life:tools and woodland crafts.

Temple Newsam House: furniture.

Victoria & Albert Museum: furniture.

The Science Museum: tools and machinery.

Museum of St Albans: home of the Salaman Collection of woodworking tools, some of which are on public display.