West Park Museum

77 Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 3BJ

Tel: 01625 619831

e-mail: info@macclesfield.silk.museum.co.uk

website: www.macclesfield.silk.museum

West Park Museum was donated by Marianne Brocklehurst and her brother, Peter Pownall Brocklehurst "for the education, refinement and pleasure of the people for all time to come."

In 1894 scandal ensued over the choice of designs for the Museum. Marianne Brocklehurst withdrew her offer after an insulting letter from "a Town Councillor", causing much disappointment among the people of Macclesfield. After four years Miss Brocklehurst relented and the Museum was finally opened on the 3rd of October 1898. The design of the interior was based on a room at the Whitworth Art Gallery.

The Museum is located in one of the earliest public parks, which opened in 1854 and was funded by voluntary subscriptions. The park boasts the largest bowling green in England. Over the years the amenities in the park have developed to match changing leisure activities.

West Park Museum's Collections comprise a wide range of fine and decorative art material and objects relating to local history. This includes the famous Giant Panda. The paintings date from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Local history displays include Law & Order and the life of Charles Roe, an 18th century Macclesfield entrepreneur.