Past Exhibitions
Over the years, the Museum of Richmond has had the pleasure of exploring the vast and varied history of the borough whose natural beauty inspired writers and artists alike, as well as attracted royalty and the aristocracy.
To reflect this rich and fascinating history, the Museum has had exhibitions devoted to the famous historical artistic and literary figures that found a home here. Additionally, a number of exhibitions have focused on the borough’s exciting political history, being a major home of the monarchy and elite of society for many years. Richmond’s role as the home of many major beneficiaries of the slave trade made it a popular location for abolitionist efforts, as well as the site of the Britain’s first Poppy Factory and numerous Suffragette campaigns.
Artificial Silk – from Kew to the World
June 2023 to June 2024
A special exhibition about a little-known local scientific invention with a huge global impact: the development of artificial silk.
Invented in Kew at the turn of the twentieth century, viscose rayon is a soft, silky textile made from wood pulp which is still one of the most widely produced fibres in the world today.
Richmond Remembers: 100 Years of the The Poppy Factory
27th September 2022 to 31st May 2023
Discover 100 years of history as The Poppy Factory celebrates its centenary year.
Founded in the aftermath of the First World War as a means to employ disabled ex-servicemen, The Poppy Factory continues to support veterans and produce Remembrance wreaths from its home on Petersham Road today.
This exhibition explores The Poppy Factory’s fascinating history and displays artefacts which chart the story of this unique local charity.
OT50: Fifty Years of the Orange Tree Theatre
15 December 2021 to 31 August 2022
From a room above the pub to an award-winning independent theatre, discover the extraordinary history of the Orange Tree Theatre as it celebrates it’s 50th anniversary. Hear from the inspirational people who built and continue to shape London’s only permanent theatre in the round, ensuring the legacy of Richmond’s rich theatrical tradition.
You can visit an online version of the exhibition by clicking here
The King’s Observatory
February to November 2021
Discover the fascinating story of the King’s Observatory, a hub for scientific research in Richmond for over 200 years. Explore the legacy of this amazing building and learn about the impact it had on the science we use today, from astronomy to timekeeping to predicting the weather!
Extended version available online! Click here to explore!
‘Lockdown Richmond’ Commemorative Quilt
December 2020 to December 2021
In March 2020, we experienced the first national lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19. In response to the complex challenges and emotions raised during this time, the residents of London Borough of Richmond upon Thames created squares for a unique memorial quilt, which will be on display at the Museum of Richmond from Tuesday 15 December.
We have created a virtual display of the quilt that you can access here.
Digital Christmas Card Collection 2020
December 2020
The Museum has over 40 different Christmas cards in our collection so we wanted to give you an opportunity to see them digitally.
Many are over 100 years old and have taken very different forms than those we are used to today.
View the Museum of Richmond Christmas Card Collection online.
Queen’s Road: 500 Years of History
1 February 2020 - 30 January 2021
Explore 500 years of history on a single road in Richmond. From farmland owned by Tudor courtiers to the site of modern social housing, Queen’s Road offers a glimpse into the ways society was changing in Richmond.
You can visit an online version of the exhibition here
Celebrating 800 Years of St. Mary Magdalene at the Heart of Richmond
20 July 2019 - 25 January 2020
The historic parish church of St. Mary Magdalene has been at the centre of Richmond for over 800 years. This exhibition celebrates the church’s history and is being held at the Museum of Richmond and St. Mary Magdalene. Visit both venues to discover the church’s fascinating stories.
Discover our additional exhibition resources by clicking here.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and by the Richmond Church Charity Estates.
Ham Is Where The Heart Is
11 May 2019 – 13 July 2019
Developed from an oral histories project, this pop-up exhibition explores life in Ham and Petersham
over the last 80 years through stories and pictures.
This exhibition was created with support from the Heritage Lottery fund, Ham United Group, the London Richmond Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the Library Services.
Spring Exhibition: Explosive History!
2 March 2019 - 9 May 2019
Discover the history of the Hounslow gunpowder mills during the First World War in this pop-up exhibition from the London Wildlife Trust.
This exhibition was created by the London Wildlife Trust with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.