MUSEUM

Most people know that the Nottage Maritime Institute exists, " for the furtherance of nautical skills", and a surprising number think that's all we do.  Not so, for the Institute is also the proud guardian of the maritime traditions and love of the River Colne and its people.  During the summer months we move into 'museum mode' and apart from regular openings for the public on Sundays and other special days we also welcome organised groups andeven individual visitors by appointment. - over the years these have ranged from local schools and special interest groups to overseas students and visitors.  Our archivist John Collins also handles individual reseach querirs in a wide range of fields relating to various aspects of local history.

 

CHANGES

 

In recent times a number of changes to our displays and the way they are laid out has been introduced.  In the upstairs rooms photographs, models and artefacts have been brought together in 'subject groups,' while the exhibition cabinets and glass topped tables have been extensively reorganised.  The team has also given a lot of thought to attracting visitors into the insitute, which has proved a problem in the past because of our limited frontage onto the quay. We are a museum as well as a boat building shed and all are welcome.

 

To this end there will be a new display area at the main entrance downstairs including a number of models mounted behind the glass walls of the former office.

 

THE LIBRARY

Here too things are moving! The previous library had served us well for many years but had become increasingly cramped.  Thanks to our many generous donors and the untiring efforts of former librarians Georgina and Bill Ellis we had more books than could be conveniently displayed, so the decision was made to move the bulk of the books to the smaller lecture room upstairs.  The prevous library room has become the Warden's office and technical resources room, to support courses and for general administration, although some books requiring secure storage will probably still be kept there. 

 

ARTEFACTS

The Museum houses a rich variety of nautical items.  Please come along and pay us a visit if you are in the area.  The items displayed on this page are examples of some of our exhibits

 

SUMMER EXHIBITION - 2011

The summer exhibition opens on May 15th -  with a preview for Custodians and invited guests.  This year Artists Alison Stockmarr. Barbara Peirson and Pru Green - provide us with a splendid show of their work which includes Stitch and Salvage, Landscapes and Pottery

The exhibition is open on Sundays and Bank Holidays until its final day on Sunday 11th September.