Collections
Collection inquiries are currently closed due to a limited staff capacity.
The Wilson holds the extensive collections of Cheltenham Borough. Particular highlights include our world renowned Arts and Crafts Movement collection, Designated as being of national importance; items relating to Cheltenham-born Dr Edward Wilson’s part in Captain Scott’s expeditions to the Antarctic; fine art, including the founding gift of Dutch and Belgian paintings from the Baron De Ferrieres; and a wealth of objects relating to the Cheltenham’s fascinating history. You can also find out about recent collections projects including Cheltenham and Gloucestershire during the First World War.
The Wilson is changing. Over the coming year, our staff and volunteers will be focussing on our ‘Making Connections’ project to re-furbish and redevelop our collections galleries. We are working towards launching your new Museum by 2026.
Unfortunately, during this time, we will be unable to accept donations to the collection.
We are also pausing our public enquiries service due to very limited staff capacity over the summer and hope that by January 2025 we will be able to relaunch a new public collections information service to support individual research. In the meantime, Cheltenham Local History Society can help with some enquiries and can be contacted via their website: Enquiries – Cheltenham Local History Society (cheltlocalhistory.org.uk)
- If your question is about an object(s) in the collection, you may find that there is information on our online database.
- You can find more about the Arts and Crafts Movement at www.artsandcraftsmuseum.org.uk
- If your question is about for a school project, please contact our learning team on learning@cheltenhamtrust.org.uk
- If your question is about purchasing or reproducing an image from our collections, please note that the majority our image orders are dealt with through Bridgeman Art Library so you may find what you are looking for on their website.