Bassetlaw Museum

by | 10 December 2025 | Community Event, Community Focus, Heritage, Local Experiences, Retford

There’s lots going on at Bassetlaw Museum in Retford and the team would love to welcome you through their doors:

Christmas Magic at Bassetlaw Museum

This year, Amcott House will once again be transformed with festive decorations throughout. With its elegant period features and warm, welcoming atmosphere, the museum offers the perfect setting to experience the magic of Christmas.Please check festive season opening times before visiting at http://www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk.

The Friends of Bassetlaw Museum and History Wardrobe Present – Halfway to Hollywood

Join dress historians Lucy Adlington and Meridith Towne for an exciting presentation showcasing original garments and accessories. The talk is at Grove Street Methodist Church, Retford on Wednesday 18th March, 6.30pm to 7.45pm. Admission is free but they ask for a suggested donation of £5.00 (cash only). Light refreshments will be available and exciting raffle prizes. To book a place, visit http://www.bassetlawmuseum.org.uk or call 01777 713749. Films gift us iconic gowns and trend-setting styles. Whether it’s the nostalgia of Gone With the Wind or the sassy fashions of Katharine Hepburn, women have long been inspired to recreate the glamour of film stars – hoping to feel halfway to Hollywood themselves through movie-imagined clothes.Like picture-goers of the 1930s and 1940s, Lucy and Meridith of History Wardrobe invite audiences to escape into cinema’s golden age, exploring sensational styles and stories from behind the camera—before revealing their own show-stopping transformation.

Sequins and Sparkles – A Fashion Exhibition

Runs until the end of February 2026

Step into a world of shimmering glamour with Sequins and Sparkles, an exhibition showcasing fashion from the 20th century. The display features a striking collection of garments crafted from fabrics with metallic threads, adorned with sequins and beads. A stunning selection of 19th and 20th century jewellery and accessories completes the sparkle. Visitors can also view two sensational 1920s party dresses that have just returned from a textile conservation studio. Discover the power of light and reflection through these dazzling pieces—where each sequin tells its own story and every sparkle invites you to shine.

Golden Light – an exhibition of paintings by Mark Bloomer

Saturday 15th November to Saturday 7th February

Mark Bloomer is a plein air landscape painter and wildlife artist based in Retford. A member of both Retford Art Society and Doncaster Art Club, Mark spends his days painting outdoors, capturing local scenes from everyday life. Working primarily in oils, he enjoys experimenting with new techniques and methods. His highlight so far has been as a wildcard participant in Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2026 in Keswick.

For more of Mark’s artwork and latest projects, visit http://markbloomerfineart.com.