Members of Nailsea and Tickenham WIs spent an enjoyable day at the American Museum and the weather was kind – temperature just right, not too hot or cold with only a few clouds in the sky.
The museum was founded in 1961 by Dr Dallas Pratt, an American psychiatrist and collector and John Judkyn, a British-born antiques dealer. The intention was to showcase American culture including decorative arts, folk art and quilts and is the only American Museum outside the U.S. to showcase the decorative arts.
The founders were wealthy and started collecting the 12,000+ artifacts in 1958 with everything, including panelling and floors, being shipped over to the UK.
Claverton Manor houses the collection and the museum tour starts in the basement, then up to the first floor and down to the ground floor. Each room shows a particular time period starting with a Settlers living room (16th century) right up to the mid-20th century. One thing I found fascinating was a wooden clock near the Stencilled Bedroom, which was on the ground floor. I have forgotten the date in which it was built but it is the only working wooden clock in the world.
Although photography (but no flash) was allowed, it was quite dark so virtually impossible to take any decent photos using a ‘normal’ camera. There was just sufficient lighting to see the objects and preserve the exhibits.
As an added bit of interest, Winston Churchill made his first political speech here in 1897.
In addition to the manor house, there is an exhibition gallery. In it there was ‘Beyond Infinity: American space exploration exhibition’. Besides showing real lunar rock, it was interactive which was fitting as it was the school holidays and children were encourage to ‘do’ things. There was also a flight suit and space pyjamas belonging to Anne McCLain, a NASA astronaut who went to Bath University.
The refreshments in the café were a very welcome break between visiting both buildings. Outside there were gardens to explore but time was not on our side.
It is a fascinating place to visit.
Thanks to Margaret for the photos and write-up.