Nicholson Museum

A brand new museum for the people of Staffordshire Moorlands opened to the public in October 2010. Housed in the Nicholson Institute, a Grade II* landmark building, situated in Stockwell Street, the museum showcases arts treasures and historical artefacts including oil paintings, costumes, embroideries, ceramics, woven silk pictures, bookmarks and a collection of fascinating silk moths.

The exhibits all belong to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's permanent collection, donated by benefactors over many years, some of the items have not been shown publicly in decades.

The museum will be open to the public, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3.30pm. Admission is free. The museum will be closed on Sunday and bank holidays.

Leek is an ancient market town and a gateway to the Peak District. It is blessed with wonderful architecture that is the legacy of the rich mill owners of the 19th century. The town boasts many arts and crafts connections with the past.

Today Leek enjoys a thriving arts scene and is also known for its inviting town centre offering cafes, independent clothes and antiques shops, an open and indoor market.

Joshua Nicholson, who became head of textiles firm Brough, Nicholson and Hall, paid for the institute to be designed and built. On 11th September 1882, the foundation stone of the Nicholson Institute was laid by Mrs Nicholson and on 16th October 1884 the building opened. Many famous figures entered the doors of the Nicholson over the years. Having a museum, library and education rooms, the institute played host to music recitals and lectures by the likes of Oscar Wilde and John Betjamen