The Friends of Derby Museums is a registered charity, founded in 1970. It is for anyone who believes in the cultural and educational values of museums, and wishes to turn that into practical support. The group aims to stimulate interest and public support for the work of the museums and to raise money to augment their routine funding.

The Friends of the Museums give the museum grants for specific projects. Many museum exhibits have been paid for by the Friends, and many more have had substantial payments from their funds. Amongst these have been The Derby Porcelain Pattern Books; Georgian Monteiths: Whitehurst clocks; silver shillings; cleaning of the paintings ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Joseph Wright; and 'View of Derby from Abbey Barns' by Hofland.

Being a Friend is not all about fundraising. The small subscription entitles members to take part in an events programme covering informative talks on museum related subjects and visits to places of interest. As an established society we can often visit houses and historic sites, which are not normally open to the public.

If you are interested in joining our organisation, we invite you to complete the application form and send it to our Membership Secretary, or why not come along to one of our meetings as a visitor - dates are available on application to the Museum Shop in The Strand. There is a small charge for visitors attending the monthly meetings, but members have free admission.

Recent Purchases 

Top row from left to right
Derby made Barometer, Derby porcelain monteith, Derby porcelain dessert plate, Regency pianoforte, Gold signet ring

Bottom row left to right
Model railway carriages, Pinxton bough pot, Tudor toothpick/earscoop

Membership Application Form and further details

PROGRAMME for 2009

Wednesday 22 April 2009 - The Silk Mill -7pm
Dinky Toy Exhibition
Introduced by Nelson Twells
Wine/cheese/raffle

Thursday 21 May 2009 - The Silk Mill -7pm
Settle and Carlisle
Illustrated talk by Peter Crawley

Wednesday 10 June 2009 -2pm
Afternoon in Bakewell
Walking tour led by Norma Consterdine
Cost £2.50 per person

Friday 3 July
Civic Reception
By invitation of the Mayor of Derby
Evening Event at The Council House
Official invitation and details later

Sunday 23 August 2009 - The Silk Mill -2pm
Wildlife and Archaeology
A walk by the river led by museum staff
Refreshments on return to the Museum

Thursday 17 September 2009 - 12 noon
40th Anniversary Lunch
The Littleover Lodge Hotel
Invitation and details later

Wednesday 30 September 2009 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery -7.30pm
Kill or Cure
Treatment of illness through the centuries - talk by Joan Ward

Thursday 5 November 2009 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery -2pm
Seaside Skeggy and Hand Knitted Bathing uits
with Bill Allen

Thursday 3 December 2009 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery -7.30pm
Christmas event
Details later

PROGRAMME for 2010

Monday 11 January 2010 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery -2pm
Derbyshire Historical Gardens Trust
Talk by Dudley Fowkes

Wednesday 10 February 2010 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery -2pm
Derbyshire churches
Talk by Rodney Tomkins

Thursday 11 March - 7.30pm - Derby Museum and Art Gallery -7.30pm
Annual General Meeting