About our service and collections
Herefordshire Museum Service
Since its establishment in 1874, Herefordshire Museum Service has been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the county's rich artistic, cultural, and natural heritage. From the opening of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, the service has evolved to manage a diverse collection of over 180,000 objects, encompassing fine art, social history, archaeology, costume, and natural sciences.
Most items are owned by Herefordshire Council, with some on loan, and include nationally significant pieces such as unique geological specimens and works by renowned artists with local connections. Through its collections, Herefordshire Museum Service seeks to inspire curiosity and deepen connections with the county's legacy, offering opportunities for enjoyment, learning, and discovery.
Current services
While the redevelopment of Hereford Museum and Art Gallery is underway, the Black and White House Museum and the Museum Resource and Learning Centre remain open. Some services are currently limited, including access to specific collections and research visits. We appreciate your patience as we work to enhance our offerings and create an even more enriching experience for you and other visitors.
Business plan 2024-27
The Herefordshire Museum Service operates in line with its strategic business plan, which outlines the vision, goals, and future development priorities for the service. The plan reflects the commitment to enhancing accessibility, fostering community engagement, and preserving the county's heritage for future generations.
Collections highlights
- Archaeology: Objects from the Palaeolithic era to the post-medieval period, including significant finds like the Herefordshire Hoard.
- Social history: Items showcasing local crafts, trades, domestic life, and social institutions, including agricultural tools and the Alfred Watkins collection.
- Costume and textiles: Garments and textiles from the 17th century onwards, with standout pieces like 18th-century attire and agricultural smocks.
- Fine and decorative arts: English watercolours, ceramics, glassware, and furniture, featuring works by artists like J.M.W. Turner and Brian Hatton.
- Natural sciences: Geological, botanical, and entomological specimens, some of national significance, including local insect collections and a 19th-century sturgeon.
- Numismatics, arms, and armour: Roman coin hoards, medieval coins, medals, badges, and weaponry, including the Roaring Meg Mortar from Goodrich Castle.
- Photography and documentary Archives: Photographs and documents from the mid-19th century onward, capturing local events, trades, and figures such as David Garrick.
- World cultures: A small selection of objects gathered in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, representing diverse cultures and items of religious significance.
For more details, you can download our collections development policy. To explore collection highlights, please visit our collections search page.