5 things to see at The Whitaker Museum

From Nellie the Elephant to a Cabinet of Curiosities - here are 5 must-see things to explore

This is the latest in our insider guides series, created especially for Stored Honey’s paid subscribers, in which I ask curators to pick out their 5 favourite items on display in their museum or gallery. This time, we’re taking a look at The Whitaker Museum in Rossendale, Lancashire.

This curator’s picks feature is one of the extra editions paid subscribers receive most weeks that include longer reads, interviews and Meet the Creator. It’s just £6 per month or £60 annually for full access. If you would like to join us and receive it straight to your inbox, you can subscribe using this button…

The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery, Rossendale

The story of The Whitaker Museum & Art Gallery is one of rags to riches. Built in 1840 as the home of George Hardman, owner of New Hall Hey textile mill, and named Oak Hill, it was later bought Richard Whitaker in 1899. Whitaker had been born into poverty and began working in the textile industry when he was just six years old. He later gifted it and its surrounding grounds to the people of Rossendale.