Museum of Wigan Life

The Museum of Wigan Life is a public museum and local history resource centre located in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. Housed in a nineteenth-century Grade II listed building designed by the noted architect Alfred Waterhouse, the museum opened in its current form on 1 July 2010 following a major refurbishment. It serves as the premier public institution dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the history and culture of Wigan and its surrounding areas, from Roman times to the present day. The museum holds particular literary significance as the building originally housed Wigan Library, where George Orwell researched his 1937 book The Road to Wigan Pier in 1936. It operates as part of the Greater Manchester Museums Group and offers free admission to visitors.

The building that now houses the museum was designed by Alfred Waterhouse and opened on 7 May 1878 as Wigan's first public library, funded by bequests of £12,000 each from mill owner Thomas Taylor and Dr Joseph Winnard; Dr Winnard's donation specifically paid for the library's books. Built on the site of Wigan Grammar School, the library was one of the town's first public buildings with electric lighting. The reference department was headed by Henry Tennyson Folkard (1850-1916), who compiled extensive catalogues. After eight months of acquisition, the reference library held 15,300 volumes and the lending library 6,808; an annexe was added in 1892 to accommodate the popular newsroom. In 1990, the library relocated to the New Town Hall, and in 1992 Wigan Heritage Services opened the History Shop in the old building, sharing it initially with the Wigan Careers Service until 1995. Funding of £260,000 from the National Lottery and Monica Whickham enabled expansion, with the art gallery renamed the Whickham Gallery in honour of the donation. The History Shop closed in 2009 for a £1.6 million refurbishment, including £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund matched by Wigan Council and Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust. The Museum of Wigan Life was formally opened by Mayor of Wigan Michael Winstanley on 1 July 2010, attracting 16,000 visits in its first six months.

The museum holds over 30,000 objects relating to life in Wigan Borough, past and present. Its collections encompass fine art, archaeology, social history, natural history, coins, decorative art, and industrial history. The scope is deliberately broad, allowing the story of local people to be told through everyday objects ranging from Roman pottery and 16th century pewter ware to 19th century Blackpool holiday souvenirs and a German helmet from the First World War. The collections span thousands of years, from Roman artefacts found in the local area to objects from Wigan's industrial heyday. Particular emphasis falls on the town's coal mining heritage, with displays exploring the dangerous and demanding lives of those who worked in and around the pits of the Wigan coalfield, as well as its cotton and textile industries and the engineering and manufacturing trades that brought prosperity during the 19th century. Personal stories and oral histories animate these industrial narratives. The museum also explores social and cultural history through objects, photographs, and documents, from the medieval market charter to the famous Wigan Pier. Regular temporary exhibitions and events complement the permanent displays, and the museum serves as a gateway to the wider heritage of the Wigan borough.

Among the museum's notable holdings are a 3, ancient Egyptian mask and the beautiful Eckersley sword, both featured in the top 50 objects available to view online through a collaborative platform with other Greater Manchester museums. The collection also includes Roman artefacts from the local area, 16th century pewter ware, and a German helmet from the First World War. The museum's holdings extend to items of local cultural significance, with displays addressing topics from Northern Soul to the mysterious sport of clog fighting. The building itself retains portraits of the original benefactors, Thomas Taylor and Dr Joseph Winnard, on display. Visitors can also explore short films exploring the history of the steam engine and the Chartist 'Leighth Feight' Pike, accessible by searching for 'Trencherfield Mill' or 'pike'. Objects not currently on display may be viewed by appointment.

The museum occupies a Grade II listed building on Library Street in the heart of Wigan town centre. Designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect also responsible for London's Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall, the building is largely in Elizabethan Revival style, embellished with Gothic features including red brick arches. Originally constructed as Wigan's first public library, the building comprised two main floors at opening: the ground floor held an ornate entrance hall, lending library, and newsroom, while the first floor contained a reference library and the corporation's Public Library Committee meeting room. A third floor accommodated the custodian's flat, later used for storage and as a staff rest-room. The 2009-2010 refurbishment involved extensive internal and external restoration, including re-tiling the roof, renovating the ground floor exhibition space, adding an extra staircase, creating a family study area, and refurbishing the reception area, meeting room, and shop. The building's historical setting immediately immerses visitors, with its grand facade, intricate detailing, and soaring interior spaces offering what has been described as a beautiful and fitting backdrop for the narratives contained within.

The Museum of Wigan Life is located at Library Street, Wigan, WN1 1NU, in a central position easily accessible by car, public transport, or on foot from the town centre. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. The building has been adapted for accessibility with ramps and lifts to accommodate different floors and exhibits. Current opening times are Monday to Wednesday 9am, 2pm, Thursday and Friday 12pm, 5pm, and Saturday 9am, 2pm; the museum is closed on Sundays. Visitors are advised to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, as hours may vary around holidays. The museum recommends allowing at least 2-3 hours for a visit. There is no dedicated café within the museum, but numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants are available nearby in Wigan town centre. The museum offers volunteer opportunities in collections care, family workshops, public events, and exhibition installation, with training provided. A dedicated Family History and Local Studies department upstairs assists visitors with research into their own family history and local area, continuing the building's long tradition as a place of learning and inquiry.