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 2008

Thursday 21 March 2008 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 7.30pm
Annual General Meeting
with address by Anneke Bambery, Head of Derby's Museums

Friday 25 April 2008 - The Council House - 7.30pm
Mayors of Derby
Talk by Maxwell Craven followed by reception in the Civic Suite

Wednesday 14 May 2008 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 7.30pm
Exhibition Planning
Talk by Andrea Hadley-Johnson

Thursday 5 June 2008 - Wollaton Hall, Nottingham - (Time to be confirmed)
Afternoon Visit
(details later)

Wednesday 9 July 2008 - Silk Mill Museum - 7pm
Summer Party Railway Special
food / wine / trains

Sunday 7 September 2008 - from Pickford's House Museum - 2pm
Wildly Architectural
Walk led by Maxwell Craven
Refreshments back at Pickford's House

Thursday 9 October 2008 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 7.30pm
My Collection of Antique Musical Instruments
Talk by Alan Hopkin

Monday 3 November 2008 - 2pm
Visit to Royal Crown Derby Factory Museum
(details later)

Thursday 4 December 2008 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 7.30pm
Christmas Event

Monday 12 January 2009 - Pickford's House Museum - 2pm
The Costume Collection
Talk by Elizabeth Spencer

Monday 9 February 2009 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 2pm
Derbyshire with a Blue Badge Guide
Talk by Norma Consterdine

Thursday 5 March 2009 - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 7.30pm
Annual General Meeting