Skill & Labour Gallery

Taking inspiration from “Arte et Labore” on Blackburn’s coat of arms the ‘Skill and Labour’ gallery on the ground floor explores the social history of the town. Stretching from the Iron Age and archeological finds found locally the industrial era through to the changing landscape of Blackburn in the 1960s.

Here in the gallery you will find displays showcasing the variety of objects in the social history collection including riot mugs commemorating the town’s turbulent past, a taxidermy dog who was once one of Blackburn’s influential residents and a temperance banner that aimed to warn of the dangers of drink.

Take time to take a seat in the gallery and watch short films made by the museum and members of the community.

Museum floor plan

Our Galleries

Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery opened on 11th June 1874 as the Blackburn Free Library and Museum. The museum now occupies the entire building and collections include British 19th and 20th century fine art; the R E Hart Collection of early books and coins; the Thomas Boys Lewis collection of Japanese prints; Greek and Russian Icons; Egyptology as well as the borough’s local history and industrial history collections, including the Lewis Textile Collection which was formerly housed at the Lewis Textile Museum.

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