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 Spring / Summer 2010

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

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

Saturday 8th May - Silk Mill Museum - 10am to 12 noon
Coffee Morning
Photographic exhibition/Model trains

Thursday 13th May - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 1pm to 2pm
Exhibition by MA Students
Come and meet the university students

Thursday 27th May - Pickford's House Museum - 1pm to 2pm
Talk
Joseph Wright in Italy

Tuesday 15th June - 2pm
Visit to Nottingham Brewhouse Yard Museum
Details nearer time of visit

Sunday 27th June - Derby Museum and Art Gallery - 2pm
In the footsteps of Joseph Wright
Walk led by Maxwell Craven

Thursday 8th July - Pickford's House Museum - 5pm to 7pm
Strawberries and Fizz
Garden Party and view of
A Sentimental Journey - Joseph Wright in Italy