Pickfords House Museum: This is when renovations will begin to modernise beloved Derby museum

A Derby landmark and popular tourist attraction is set to undergo changes in the coming weeks as work starts on the exterior.

Pickford’s House is one of Derby Museum’s cherished sites.

The Grade I listed building erected in 1770 by Joseph Pickford celebrates Georgian life and fashion since it opened as a museum in 1988.

The building will undergo a comprehensive facelift from spring 2024, with each room receiving new interpretation, displays, and more immersive layout exhibits. 

These enhancements aim to elevate the visitor experience and offer a fresh perspective on the rich history encapsulated within the walls of this architectural gem.

The work has been made possible by funding awarded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and The Wolfson Foundation through the DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund.

Award-winning Glowfrog Video Production have offered their services pro-bono to create a captivating welcome video for the museum. 

This video aims to provide an engaging overview of the house's history and cater to disabled visitors who may face accessibility challenges, ensuring an inclusive experience for all.

Matt Middleton, Director at Glowfrog Video Production said: “Offering our services pro-bono for Pickford's House aligns with our core values of supporting local community.

“I am particularly excited about this project given that Pickford’s is a site I’ve visited countless times over the last thirty years. 

“It will be fantastic to provide a welcome video for all visitors to the museum, offering a deeper insight into its history and local significance."

Reflecting on the important updates, Jennifer Cuadrado, Director of Development at Derby Museums said: “These updates represent a significant stride in our mission to make history come alive for our diverse audience. 

“These enhancements, including the welcome video offered by Glowfrog, not only preserve the architectural and cultural legacy of Pickford's House but also align with our broader mission of making history accessible to diverse audiences."

There is expected to be ‘meticulous curation’ of each room, reflecting the museum’s commitment to ‘preserving and presenting history in an engaging manner.’