Museums in Walcot (Bath)

Postal Museum

Postal Museum is housed in the original Bath post office, which issued the world's first postage stamp, the Penny Black on 2nd May 1840. The Bath Postal Museum opened in 1979 to tell the history of mail delivery from 2000 B.C. to the present day. Historic artifacts such as antique postboxes are on display alongside images and models depicting the changes in the post. The film room offers a short film dramatizing the beginnings of the postal service. Don't miss the library, children's activities room and special exhibition room.

Bath Assembly Rooms

The Bath Assembly Rooms were the meeting place for public entertainment in the 18th century, and continue to be used today. The Ball Room is the largest space, and was used for dances and conversation. The Octagon Room's shape was suited to card playing amongst the menfolk, while the women often retired to the tea room. An additional card room was added at the back, which now serves as a bar area. Costumes of the kind worn here in the 18th century, as well as many other fashions old and new, are housed in the Museum of Costume on the lower floor of the building; admission is charged to see the museum.

Fashion Museum

Four hundred years of style are on display in the Fashion Museum, located on the lower floor of the Assembly Rooms. Perhaps the most famous example is a rare outfit from 1660, the silver tissue dress. An audio tour guides visitors through the changes in style and fashion right up to the present day. Modern fashions are represented by the, "Dress of the Year", chosen every year since 1963 by leading experts to record the important developments in the fashion world. Those wishing to study fashion may wish to visit the Fashion Research Centre.

The Museum of East Asian Art

The wonders of the Eastern world preserved in this Georgian house number over a thousand, and date from 5000 BC right up to the 20th century. On the first floor of The Museum of East Asian Art are Chinese jade and stone carvings, as well as a large room devoted to bronze and other metallic arts. The Chinese Scholar's Studio hidden in the back is easily missed, but well worth seeking out. The second floor gallery is full of ceramics, sculptures, and bamboo carvings. In all areas, helpful displays assist you in understanding the significance of the art forms in Asian culture. Around every corner something will catch your eye; look out for Chinese and Japanese lacquer, and prints of traditional figures.

Bath Aqua Theatre Of Glass

If you are looking for a total retail experience, and want to treat yourself to something more than the usual tacky, 'I've Been To Bath' t-shirts, then you will be well advised to take a stroll into the heart of bohemian Walcot and check out the Bath Aqua Theatre Of Glass. Here, you can watch the glass blowing demonstrations and learn how the famous glass is blown. The colour of the glass, a pale turquoise, represents the waters from which the city takes its name. The process is fascinating and the demonstrations are informative. Afterwards, it is almost impossible to resist a peek in the shop to find a unique and beautiful souvenir as a lasting reminder of your visit. Glass Blowing demonstrations are free.

Victoria Art Gallery

Opened in 1900, the upper floor of this Victorian Art Gallery's permanent exhibition space holds paintings from the early 17th century up to modern times; including works from some of Bath's best known artists such as Thomas Barker, as well as a collection of porcelain, glass, and miniature decorative art. The lower floor, once the Bath library, houses six-week exhibitions with wide ranging themes and appeal. A small exhibition room, library, and the Guildhall's Georgian rooms next door, complete the complex. Events and lectures are regular features, and activities for the visually impaired and children are available. A small bookshop offers a wide selection of cards and gifts; coffee and tea are also available.

Museum of Bath at Work

Housed inside the only existing 'Real Tennis Court' of the 18th century, the Museum of Bath at Work has a wealth of industrial and engineering artifacts, dating from the 1870s on display. Most of the items were rescued from Mr. Bowler's Business in the 1970s and arranged here as a recreation of his site, including a fizzy-pop factory and complete engineering works. Other features include exhibits on stone mining and cabinet making, and a motor car from the Horstmann Car Company. Lectures and temporary exhibitions feature regularly. Visit the gift shop for books and cards and there is also a teashop offering light refreshments.