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Surrey Heath Museum

This is a small museum housed in the Civic Offices. The textile collection comprises miscellaneous examples of decorative techniques from the 19th and 20th centuries, mainly of the everyday domestic type. It therefore provides an insight into a variety of techniques and standards of workmanship rather than illustrating any one technique in depth. It would provide students with a wide variety of such work, including machine and hand embroidery, canvas work, banners, beadwork, patchwork (there is a wonderful old quilt, started in 1770s, which demonstrates many different styles of patchwork) and a piece of appliqué which shows the processes of this craft. There is an Edwardian student's old sample book with a beautifully embroidered cover containing samples of different seams, pocket styles and embroidery stitches, which demonstrates at what level students were expected to work. There is also a small collection of the tools used in these crafts such as bone knitting needles, tatting tools, thimbles etc.

There is a small textile craft collection where modern embroiderers, inspired by objects from everyday life, have interpreted their inspiration using different effects e.g. a silk evening bag inspired by a 30s chocolate box design, an embroidery based on a wasps' nest, cushion inspired by birch bark, and other examples of modern craft work.

The museum staff are very friendly and helpful, very willing to have students handling the objects (handling policy on separate sheet) and happy to approach local embroiderers regarding demonstrations or workshop sessions (very good notice is required - fee would depend on the demonstrator). Possible subjects are goldwork, beadwork, canvaswork, braiding and spinning. The Museum also offers Inset sessions to teachers at £40 per half day per school. Please note that much of the textile and decorative needlework collection is in store and an appointment is essential for students.

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