Exhibition on THE INDUSTRIAL HISTORY OF THE HURST PARK ESTATE

November 11, 2021

The Industrial History of Hurst Park

Cambridge Museum of Technology is hosting an exhibition about industry on Cambridge’s Hurst Park Estate.

The exhibition shows how agriculture and industry gave way to housing as Cambridge expanded into Chesterton after 1911. Local historians Rachel Aucott and Jim Smith tell the story of a lost Victorian house, a windmill, a farm, a laundry, and a brickworks.

Museum Curator Pam Halls said: 'I was so impressed by Rachel and Jim's research and the way they went about it. Involving the local community is what we like at the Museum, and this is an excellent example.

'Jim and exhibitions volunteer Harriet O'Rourke have created a really attractive display with some fascinating archive material about the area, its industry, and its people. It complements the Museum's work on Cambridge's industrial history.'

The exhibition, included with entry to the Museum, runs until April 2022.

See Website for opening times.

The Hurst Park Estate History website is at www.hpehistory.uk

Photograph credits

Mill picture: The Mills Archive

Farm picture: The Leys School

Comment

Journey from shed to a welcoming space selling tickets, memorable gifts and great coffee

September 28, 2021

When the museum re-opened in 2019 the ticket office was located in a cross between a shed and a summer house. This was functional but not ideal. Our challenge was to refurbish this structure and create a welcoming space for both visitors and staff on a very tight budget.

Phase 1 - Improve the structure - Add insulation to the walls and ceiling, plasterboard, wall paper and finally paint inside and out.

Phase 2 - Fit out and Stock - Build a counter and display units, design and source museum branded gifts and make basic drinks and food available.

Phase 3 - Open to the public

Phase 4 - Remodel to add an artisan coffee shop - Circumstances arose that meant Kerb Kollective needed a new home and we were delighted to welcome them into our newly refurbished ticket office and shop. The shop and ticket office area was rearranged to give space to Kerb Kollective and after 2 weeks of frantic activity allowed them to open to the public in early September.

This is a great example of what a small group of enthusiastic volunteers with a budget of a few hundred pounds can achieve - why not become a volunteer at Cambridge Museum of Technology.