Saffron Walden Museum celebrates 190 years of ‘wonders’ with new exhibition

An Uttlesford museum is celebrating 190 years since it first opened to the public.

It was on May 12 1835, within a purpose built facility in Museum Street, that Saffron Walden Museum came into existence. It is now one of the oldest of its kind in the country.

To commemorate the milestone, the museum is holding an exhibition which opens on May 10 entitled ‘Wonder: 190 Years of the Saffron Walden Museum’.

And it is inviting members of the public, community groups, academics and experts to select their own ‘wonder’ for the display.

The museum will also mark the launch of the exhibition with the revival of an 1836 printing press. Once the heart of Harts Printers – whose legacy continues today with Harts Books in King Street and Harts Yard which sits behind the bookshop – the printing press will now serve as a vibrant platform for creativity, bringing to life tote bags designed by competition winners. The competition runs throughout March and April.

Simon Hilton-Smith, collections assistant, said: “We invite the public to unleash their creativity and sketch their favourite museum wonder. The winners will have the chance to create and print their designs at the museum. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your imagination and be part of something extraordinary.”

Visit www.saffronwaldenmuseum.org to find out more about the museum.