Oldham Stories Exhibition

Encounters with our Collections

This permanent exhibition in Gallery 1 is home for objects from our collections that relate to the history of Oldham. Here you can see some of our best-loved artefacts, alongside items that might surprise you.

We bring together objects from our Natural History, Social History and Art Collections to look again at Oldham past and present. The display features local figures such as suffragette Annie Kenney, daredevil speedway rider Clem Beckett and popular artist Helen Bradley. It also explores the changing industrial and cultural landscape of the area.

From specimens of taxidermy to industrial archaeology every object has a tale to tell. Oldham Stories includes some of our best paintings recording local views and notable characters. It features items charting the sporting life and political causes that have run through Oldham’s history. And there is an expanded display of natural history that explores the many different types of habitat that can be found across Oldham.

Also on display is a banner featuring a special Love Letter to Oldham. You can hear the poem recited by members of Oldham Theatre Workshop if you follow this link.

Hearts with lines of poetry

Oldham Stories includes a range of family activities too. You will enjoy following our gallery trail to learn even more about the many stories Oldham has to tell.