Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
In the Abbey Farmhouse the social and domestic life of Victorian Somerset is described in reconstructed rooms and an exhibition which tells the life story of a farm worker, John Hodges, from the cradle to the grave.
The magnificent fourteenth-century Abbey Barn is the centrepiece of the Somerset Rural Life Museum. The barn and the farm buildings surrounding the courtyard contain displays illustrating the tools and techniques of farming in Victorian Somerset. Unusual local activities like willow growing, mud horse fishing, peat digging and cider making are included.
Somerset Rural Life Museum
Visitor Information
ADMISSION FREE
Opening hours: 1st April - 2nd November: Tuesdays to Friday and Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday 2.00pm to 6.00pm
4th November - 31st March: Tuesdays to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm Closed Good Friday
Museum shop and facilities for the disabled, baby-changing area. Free car park and coach lay-by. For further details contact the Somerset Rural Life Museum, Abbey Farm, Chilkwell Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8DB Call: 01458 831197 Fax: 01458 834684
e-mail:county-museums@somerset.gov.uk
HOW TO GET THERE
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The barn shop is managed by the Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum (formerly known as the Friends of the Abbey Barn) who promote and support the work of the museum. New members are welcome.
Friends of Somerset Rural Life Museum
Exhibitions 2008/2009
| 6th September - 15th November |
Bath Artist Printmakers Recent work by an artists' cooperative of 30 members, who work from a studio in Larkhall, Bath. Members of the group will be present on various days during the exhibition. |
For further information |
| 16th-21st September |
'Portraits of Glastonbury Tor' by Terry Flaxton
Visitors are invited into the beautiful Abbey barn to view an exciting digital art installation.
A huge screen displays the stunning moving images of portraits of local people against the dramatic backdrop of Glastonbury Tor. |
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22nd November - 13th December
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West Country Craft Fair High quality crafts from local makers. A relaxed and attractive atmosphere in which to buy beautiful Christmas presents. The fair will include some of the museum’s regular craftspeople and several new participants. |
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| 10th January – 14th March 2009 |
Skillets & Cauldrons This fabulous display of English bronze cooking vessels form the Roderick Butler collection is on tour from the County Museum. The cooking wares were made at two foundries at South Petherton and Montacute in the 17th and early 18th centuries and comprise a collection of national importance. They are stunningly displayed with information about their manufacture and cooking practices in England at the time. |
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| 21st March – 10th May |
‘Ice in the Sun’ Porcelain by Kevin de Choisy This exhibition by a highly skilled local potter has been inspired by the Colthurst Collection of oriental ceramics held by Somerset Heritage Service. Some of the most beautiful pottery ever seen was made in Ancient China. Celadon glazes used on certain clays produced a luminosity, which led them to be likened to Jade. In this exhibition Kevin seeks to recreate elements of Oriental culture and his pottery is more than purely practical. |
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Events and Demonstrations 2008
Papermaking Workshop
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| October |
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| 8th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with Jack and Alkanet |
| 18th |
2.30-4.00 |
Cooking with Apples Help Zaida Haworth with her apple recipes in the Victorian Kitchen. |
| 18th & 19th |
2.00-5.00 |
Cider Making Weekend. Traditional cider making in the Abbey Barn using a vintage mill and press and apples from the museum's orchard. |
| 19th |
2.00-5.00 |
Cider Commentary Learn about orchard management and cider making with Les Davis. |
| 25th |
2.00-5.00 |
Workshop to Celebrate the Big Draw with David Birks of Bath Artist Printmakers. Learn how to monoprint using a variety of materials. Participants will receive tuition from David and plenty of inspiration on an autumnal theme. Free drop-in workshop for all ages. |
| 26th |
2.00-5.00 |
Bill Hooks on Display with Gordon York |
| 28th |
2.00-4.30 |
Lace Making Demonstration with Jane Thorne |
| 29th |
11.00-4.00 |
Paper Crafts Demonstration with Angela Janday |
| 30th |
10.00-4.00 |
Bezom Making Demonstration with Bill Moore. A chance to buy your broomsticks for Halloween. |
| 31st |
11.00-4.00 |
Lino-cutting Demonstration by Bath Artist Printmakers with hands-on opportunities. Learn to lino-cut on a Halloween theme. |
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| November |
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| 1st |
11.00-4.00 |
Glass Painting Demonstration with Angela Janday |
| 12th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
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| December |
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| 6th |
2.00-4.00 |
Xmas Cooking on the range in the Victorian Kitchen, with Zaida Haworth |
| 10th |
1.00-4.00 |
Spinning Demonstration with the Glastonbury Spinners |
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e-mail:county-museums@somerset.gov.uk
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