Name: Pickford's House
Rating: 5.0

Pickford's House

Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Pickford's House Museum of Georgian Life and Costume is in Derby, England. It is named after architect Joseph Pickford, who built it as his family home in 1763-65. It was opened as a museum in 1988. The building is Grade I listed.

Visit Pickford’s House and experience domestic life up close and learn about how the Pickford family and later occupants used each fascinating room. Discover the miniature world of toy theatres in these newly expanded displays across the top floor of Pickford’s House, showcasing our world-class toy theatre collection.

Entry to Pickford's House is free. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Collections & Galleries: From period room settings to toy theatres there’s something new to discover that will arouse your curiosity and inspire your imagination every time you visit this wonderful 18th century home.
Gardens: The first evidence of a garden layout at the rear of Pickford’s House is illustrated on street plans drawn in the middle of the 19th century.The planting plan mainly incorporates species that would have been available during the Georgian period. However the Hydrangea petiolaris (1865) and Wysteria floribunda (1830) were retained because they were well established despite being of a later introduction date. Fragrant herbs and the heady perfume of Jasmine fill the air, making it a delightful space to sit and relax.
The Tiny World of Toy Theatre: The top floor of Pickford’s House has been transformed into a magical world of toy theatre. Discover the magical world of toy theatres in this newly expanded display on the top floor of Pickford’s House. The exhibition showcases the best of Derby Museums’ world-class toy theatre collection, which is one of the largest in the country. It features toy and model theatres from The Frank Bradley Collection, Anthony Denning and practising toy theatre makers Joseph Hope Williams, Trevor Griffin and Alison Englefield.The toy theatre originates from around 1800, when print sellers marketed prints of famous actors and actresses of the day. Their trade soon expanded to allow theatre enthusiasts and children to build miniature model theatres and stage plays in their own homes.Enchanting scenes from Sleeping Beauty, Treasure Island, Little Red Riding Hood and Aladdin are amongst the intricate theatres on display from Derby Museums’ collection. A revolving Dracula theatre, based on Edward Gorey’s sets for the 1977 Broadway production takes pride of place. Visitors can also see animated toy theatre excerpts from The Phantom of The Opera, The Miller and His Men and Aladdin.
Period Rooms: The professional showcase and family home of Georgian architect Joseph Pickford which now contains period room sets illustrating aspects of domestic life from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
Shop: Our delightful shop is located in the Brewhouse on the lower ground floor of Pickford’s House. This is a wonderful space full of traditional children’s toys, souvenirs and gifts inspired by our beautiful garden and all things crafty. Every gift bought in our shop helps keep Derby Museums fantastic and free for everyone!

Facilities

Parking: There is free parking at Pickford’s House for visitors. Turn right at the ‘Pickford’s House’ sign off Agard Street. There is also pay and display parking on Friar Gate.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 am–5 pm.

Address: Pickford's House, 41 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1DA, UK

Post Code: DE1 1DA

Council: Derby

County: Derbyshire

By car: There is free parking at Pickford’s House for visitors. Turn right at the ‘Pickford’s House’ sign off Agard Street. There is also pay and display parking on Friar Gate. Sat Nav Directions: DE1 1DZ.
By train: With a direct train from London to Derby, you can be at any of our museums in less than two hours! Derby Station is 1.3 miles from Pickford’s House and about a 30 walk away.
By bus: There are frequent and regular bus services into the Derby city centre, operated by Trent Barton and Arriva. Derby bus station is a 15 minute walk away through the city centre.
By bike: Pickford’s House is on cycle routes 54 and 68, part of the Derby City Cycle Map. There are spaces for bicycle parking at Pickford’s House – please ask a member of staff when you arrive.
Find the door: Although the front of the house may look like the entrance to our museum, our visitor entrance is to the right of the building up a ramp, so that it is accessible for everyone. We open the front door to our visitors for special events.
Parking: There is free parking at Pickford’s House for visitors. Turn right at the ‘Pickford’s House’ sign off Agard Street. There is also pay and display parking on Friar Gate.