Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum

About the museum

The museum opened in 1972 in the buildings of the old Kingsbridge Grammar School, a Grade II* listed building that had fallen into disrepair. It was saved after local campaigner Evelyn Northcott persuaded the company English China Clays to rescue it. The museum is named after William Cookworthy (1705–1780), a Kingsbridge-born pioneer of hard-paste porcelain in Britain.

The displays follow the story of Kingsbridge and the surrounding area from early times to the present, using everyday objects, a large gallery of agricultural machinery and tools, and a gallery of nineteenth- and twentieth-century costume. A permanent exhibition describes Cookworthy’s life and work, including examples of his porcelain. A walled garden belongs to the site.

The museum also keeps a Local Heritage Resource Centre with archives, local records and microfilm copies of local newspapers from 1855 onwards, as well as an archive of more than 30,000 photographs from the 1870s to the present day, some of which can be bought as prints. It is run by a small committee, one full-time paid administrator and a team of volunteers and stewards, and is an Accredited Museum.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition on William Cookworthy and his porcelain
• Agricultural machinery and tools gallery
• Costume gallery covering the 19th and 20th centuries
• Photograph archive of more than 30,000 images
• Walled garden

Permanent exhibition

• William Cookworthy exhibition – A permanent display on the life and work of the Kingsbridge-born pioneer of hard-paste porcelain.

Founded

1972

Operated by

William Cookworthy Museum Society (community benefit society)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is in a Grade II* listed building with uneven floors and steps in places. The ground floor can be reached by wheelchair, but the main entrance is not wheelchair accessible, so visitors are asked to phone ahead. One ground-floor toilet is accessible. Buggies and prams can be left on the ground floor, and large print is available for many displays. A downloadable access plan and visual guide are on the website.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

The museum describes itself as having something for the whole family, and holds family days with activities such as drawing and rag rug making. Under-16s are admitted free.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no café at present, and the museum suggests places to eat and drink nearby. The shop sells books, toys and memorabilia, many handmade by volunteers.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Only the walled garden is offered for hire, during the open season and opening hours: £40 for a morning or afternoon session including tables and chairs, plus £10 for use of an urn, kettles and crockery. Guests enter the garden free but pay admission to see the collections.

Plan your visit