Since moving to our new offices in Friar Gate Derby, I've discovered Pickford's House Museum which is right next door. The house was owned by Joseph Pickford the architect who built the house in 1769 as his family home and workplace. Over the last month i have visited several times in my lunch hour, and can only say what a hidden treasure it is! Free entrance and a wealth of exhibits on display. As you enter the house through the side entrance you'll find several rooms as they would have been in Georgian times. The rooms all have light sensors, and as you approach the lights will come on. You'll find the Morning room, dining room and a drawing room here. Taking the stairs down a level, you'll find the kitchen, a wash room and an air raid shelter (this is probably my favourite floor) There are information cards in all the rooms with further information, its worth taking the time to read them and to soak up the atmosphere of each room as you pass through.
As you ascend upstairs, you'll find bedrooms, a dressing room, bathrooms and several exhibits, and a room with clothes to dress up in! During term time you will find school groups visiting quite often.
On the top floor you will find a wonderful collection of toy theatres from all over the world. The work that has gone into these is amazing, and they are still in such good condition. There's also a fine collection of pottery, with some very interesting pieces on display.
Outside you will find a small and secluded garden, which has been created with plants that would have been available at the time. This Garden probably wouldn't have been here in Pickford's time but is a representation of a garden from that period. When the weather has been nice (and yes it actually was nice at least once!!) i have taken the opportunity to sit outside and enjoy the garden. Its beautiful, and you feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
I've only scratched the surface of what this lovely place has to offer, and only hope that others who live locally will make the effort to visit! Its there for all of us to enjoy, and remember its free. Even more importantly there is plentiful parking at the rear of the museum, and this too is free.
I've only scratched the surface of what this lovely place has to offer, and only hope that others who live locally will make the effort to visit! Its there for all of us to enjoy, and remember its free. Even more importantly there is plentiful parking at the rear of the museum, and this too is free.
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