|
Latest Exhibition
|
|
|
Pictured: Members of Retford Art Society
Retford Art Society shares passion for fine art at Bassetlaw Museum
Retford Art Society is showcasing its passion for fine art at the latest exhibition taking place at Bassetlaw Museum.
Titled ‘The Swan Studio’, the exhibition is named after the home of the society on Carolgate, Retford, which was once a function room for the Swan Inn.
This latest exhibition features life drawings, studio painting sessions and acrylics from landscapes to buildings and animals.
Robert Bealby, Retford Art Society Member said: “Our latest exhibition is a celebration of the Swan Studio, the home of the Retford Art society. Our membership is made up of an enthusiastic fellowship of artists and art lovers who take part in activities including life drawings, studio paintings, tutored workshops, and demonstrations. We welcome all who want to get involved in art.”
|
|
Retford in Bloom 2025
Bassetlaw Museum was delighted to pick up one of the Community Awards at this year's Retford in Bloom competition.
Judges praised the Museum for its floral displays and vegetable garden that is maintained by staff and volunteers who give freely their time.
It was described as a wonderful quiet space in the middle of the town that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
|
Pictured: Cllr Harriet Digby, Mayor of Retford, alongside Helen and Jane representing Bassetlaw Museum
Events
FREE Half-term Activities
Monday 20th - Friday 31st October
Looking for something fun, free and local to do with the kids this half term?
Bassetlaw Museum has a brilliant FREE Holiday Activity Program running throughout half term, perfect for keeping children entertained and inspired!
Drop in for creative crafts, hands-on history and family friendly fun.
No booking required.
Guided Tours of Bassetlaw Museum
Friday 7th November: 2pm - 3:30pm
Come and join the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum on one of their guided tours. They will focus on the Museum building, its history from its construction in the 1780s through to the present day, and the stories of the families that owned it.
If you would like to learn more or book a place, please email fobm.tours@gmail.com or ring 01777 713 749.
Coming Soon: Mining Memories
20th November 2025 1pm - 3pm at The Oasis, Worksop
The Oasis Centre in Worksop, following the award of an Arts and Heritage Grant, is working with Bassetlaw Museum to celebrate the district’s mining legacy and the impact of their closure.
A new mining heritage project is being launched aiming to capture memories, testimonies, photographs and artefacts from across the district.
The project is looking for local people to get involved, from former miners to their partners and other family members, with plans for exhibitions and displays at Bassetlaw Museum.
A meeting is taking place at The Oasis Centre in Worksop on 20th November between 1pm and 3pm. Volunteers, who would like to get involved, can come along for a coffee and a chat and find out more.
For further information contact the Oasis Centre or Bassetlaw Museum.
Pictured: Miner's tool bag made from conveyor belt material used at Shireoaks
|
Arts and Heritage Workshops
If you enjoy crafting along with a cuppa and a chat, there's still time to book your place on the popular Art and Heritage workshops visit Arts and heritage workshops | Bassetlaw District Council or contact Georgina at the Museum.
Sessions are held at the following locations:
Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall - Mondays 9:45am - 11:45am
Bassetlaw Museum - Mondays 1pm - 3pm
Cleveland Close, Carlton in Lindrick - Wednesdays 10am - 12pm
St John's Church, Overend Road, Worksop - Thursdays 10am - 12pm
|
Diary of Events
October
Monday 20th - Scary soap carving (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Tuesday 21st - Creepy clay day (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Wednesday 22nd - Spooky jar lights (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Thursday 23rd - Monster masks(10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Friday 24th - Lego day (all day)
Monday 27th - Monster in a cup (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Tuesday 28th - Freaky felt crafts (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Wednesday 29th - Petrifying plate craft (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Thursday 30th - Trick or treat sacks (10am - 12pm and 1pm - 3pm)
Friday 31st - Lego day (all day)
November
Friday 7th November - Guided Tour of the Museum (bookable event)
|
|
Regency Engraved Glass Beaker
 This intricately engraved Regency beaker is the latest addition to our collection. It bears the initials ‘WMAS’ and the motto 'May the Free Men of Retford Prosper in Their Journey Through Life.'
While the inscription clearly references Retford, the beaker’s exact origins remain unclear.
Could the phrase 'Free Men' refer to Freemasonry? Possibly, but the absence of any Masonic emblems suggests otherwise.
We believe the phrase more likely refers to the freemen of the Borough of East Retford, men who, in the early 19th century, held the right to vote in parliamentary elections. At the time, Retford’s political scene was marked by corruption and with only around 200 eligible freemen voters, elections were frequently influenced by bribery and threat. To address this, Parliament passed the Bribery, East Retford Act of 1830, which extended the borough’s voting rights to a wider area in North Nottinghamshire, called 'hundred of Bassetlaw', effectively increasing the number of eligible voters and reducing corrupt influence.
As for the ‘WMAS’ initials, they likely refer to the beaker’s original owner, whose identity is still a mystery. Do you have any ideas about who WMAS might have been? We'd love to hear from you.
We’d like to thank the member of the public who brought this beaker to our attention, and the Friends of Bassetlaw Museum for helping us acquire it.
Picture:© Reeman Dansie
Digital Donations
|
Bassetlaw Museum can now receive your donations digitally.
Thanks to your contributions we can create engaging exhibits, educational programmes and community events that inspire and enrich the lives of our visitors. Donations also help us pay for materials to help look after our collections including providing acid free storage boxes, archive quality tissue paper and specialist mounts for display.
We are truly grateful for your support
|
|
 |
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bassetlawmuseum
Instagram: @bassetlawmuseum
Opening times The Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am - 4:30pm
Open Monday to Saturday during School Holidays.
Admission is FREE.
|
|
|
|
|
