Bradford Industrial Museum Exhibitions
Our permanent galleries tell the story of Bradford's textile heritage through working, static and interactive displays of textile machinery, engineering, steam machinery, motor vehicles and much more, giving a unique glimpse into the living and working conditions of Bradford's people from the beginnings of the textile industry to the present day.
The 'You Are Here' gallery illustrates the history of generations of settlers and their influence upon the architecture, industry and culture of modern Bradford. Come and see the giant 'Coat of Many Cultures' made by artists Naomi Parker and Sofia Maskin with children from Springwood Community Primary and Hanson Schools, part of an Arts Exchange project.
Opposite the entrance to the main building is the Victorian Job Master's Stables, home to the museum's team of working horses and a display of period horse-drawn vehicles.
The Mill Manager's house and Gaythorne Row, a terrace of Victorian back-to-back houses, contrast the lifestyles of the mill manager and workers. Fully furnished in three distinct periods - the Victorian, the 1940s and the 1950s to 60s - the back-to-backs‚ let you take an intimate peek into the lives and living conditions of working people throughout the twentieth century.
Accompanying the permanent displays is a programme of temporary historical, design, craft and art exhibitions.
Current and upcoming exhibitions
5 April- 1 June 2008
Bradford Buildings - Painting by Joan M Pook (The Café Gallery)
J.M Pook will be showing her spontaneous pen and ink drawings of the buildings and streets of Bradford. Made between 1997 and 2003 when she embarked on a weekly discovery of the architectural delights of Bradford assets of our city.
19 April - 22 June 2008
Domestic Bliss? Appliances in the Home
Running a home has always involved the activities of cooking, cleaning and washing clothes. In addition homes need to be kept warm and provided with light and facilities for personal hygiene. All of these activities require time and effort and we have always relied on tools to make the job easier. This exhibition takes a look at technology in the home from the 19th century to today. It features the ancestors of the gadgets and appliances that we now take for granted.
8th June – 1 September 2008
Don Crabtree (The Café Gallery)
Don’s exhibition is a collection of his favourite work, both photography and painting. There are industrial themes and natural history themes. Don paints in situe, especially for plants and flowers and from photographs for landscape many of which are in Bradford. Don has exhibited his work locally and held a one man show in 1981 at the Bradford Central Library. Don is a member of the Bradford Arts Club and past president and honorary life member of the Bradford Photographic Society.
28 June – 6 September 2008
Puzzles and Illusions
An exhibition of puzzles and illusions give visitors an insight into how their brain works. Amazing hands on activities include the Tower of Hanoi, Cafe Wall Illusion and the Hollow Mask. Part of Summer of Science.
28 June – 28 September 2008
Learning Journeys with National Endowment for Science Technology and Art
This exhibition looks the work of a group of 30 local children who have collaborated closely with the museum, alongside scientists, artists and animators over the last 3 years to create fantastic inventions, designs and animations. They have created there very own fantastic inventions, designs and animations which are on show throughout the museum. Be prepared to be impressed. Part of Summer of Science.
6 September - 21 September 2008
Appleton
Edward Appleton was born in Bradford in 1892. On the 12th of December 1924, he and his student Miles Barnett, started a series of pioneering experiments which proved the existence of electronically charged layer in our atmosphere which this is now helping us to understand how the sun affects the planet.
