Whitchurch Heritage Centre

Description

The Heritage Centre opened in 1998 and included the already well established Tourist Information facility. In 2010 a Customer Service Point was given space within the building to provide information on Shropshire Council services.

It is offers a wealth of information on the Town's history as well as giving invaluable advice on what to visit in the area and further afield.The Heritage Centre provides a modern day learning experience. Many of the exhibits are geared towards children and are very much hands on - for example the Roman Archaeology sand pit where coins and a skull can be uncovered and the brass rubbing tables where budding artists can create their own master pieces to take home.

There is also a giant puzzle depicting a typical nursery rhyme theme created from an illustration by the famous Victorian Illustrator Randolph Caldecott and last but by no means least children can test their skills putting together the clock cogs to make the fingers turn and make telling the time fun. The adults too are not left out with the Caldecott Gallery housing a fine collection of artworks and memorabilia relating to  Randolph Caldecott and the Whitchurch-born musician Sir Edward German.

An interactive computer unit allows  visitors to learn more about these famous men. The Clock theme which can be seen throughout the Centre heralds the work of Whitchurch firm J.B. Joyce who were established in the Town in 1690 and are still producing Tower Clocks for a world market today.

In the main exhibition area we have a section dedicated to our Roman history with a number of interesting finds and artefacts on display. 

All in all and along with a programme of constantly changing exhibitions the Centre is a must for a good all round family visit. In conjunction with free admission and 5 day opening it is a very important indoor visitor attraction in Shropshire.

In autumn 2010 Whitchurch Heritage Centre was awarded full status as an Accredited Museum by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. This means that it meets nationally agreed standards on collections care, museum management and the provision of information and services to visitors.

In the rear courtyard  of the Heritage Centre a number of Craft Units can be found.
 
Within the Units you will find the Down To Earth Gallery. The gallery is independently run and is home to three floors of the best British Contemporary Craftsmanship; jewellery, ceramics, glass, textiles, paintings  and sculpture.

The work of over 50 talented British designers, both local and national, is showcased. The upper floor of the Down To Earth Gallery has exhibitions running throughout the year. On the ground  floor of Unit 4 there is a fantastic selection of unusual cards and gifts.

The Down To Earth Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday 10.a.m. – 4.30 p.m.