Tolson Museum

20/10/2026

Tolson Museums Half Term opening hours🍂

Come along, learn and have fun!

16/10/2026

Lead talented teams. Deliver meaningful change. Create lasting legacy.

We're looking for an experienced museum professional to lead our curatorial team deliver the care, development and interpretation of Kirklees' diverse collections.

From collections management and conservation to exhibitions and strategic development, this role offers the chance to influence how our collections are cared for and shared for years to come. We're seeking a confident and people-focused leader who can bring energy, vision and enthusiasm to a talented curatorial team.

Join us at a defining moment as we deliver ambitious collections, exhibitions, and transformation projects, including development of a new museum and gallery in Huddersfield as part of Our Cultural Heart.

Closing date: 28th October, 11:55pm
Apply here: https://tal.pulse.ly/dmy7lnweky

12/10/2026

A closer look at our refreshed Curators Corner exhibition at Tolson Museums! This month’s theme is New Acquisitions!

This small bronze hunting horn belonged to May Tinker of Meal Hill House in Hepworth, Holmfirth. The Tinkers operated several local collieries and were well-known amongst their local community. The family gifted land, buildings, and financial aid to both the village church in Hepworth and the non-conformist chapels in Jackson Bridge.

May’s horn was made sometime after 1907 by Swaine & Adeney in London and is believed to have been used during the Rockwood Hunt, a traditional West Yorkshire equestrian hunt originally established in 1867. May’s father, Charles Shaw Tinker (1848-1923) and brother Major Brian Tinker (1890-1977) were both masters of the Rockwood Hunt, which she frequently participated in herself.

Historically, hunting has typically been a male dominated sport, and yet it granted women the opportunity to take on leadership roles, which would have otherwise been off limits. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, many women took on roles such as Master of Hounds, a prestigious role that granted the authority to oversee, manage, and train both men and women out in the field. As the horn bearer, May would have been responsible for maintaining communication across long distances, controlling the hounds, and marking different phases of the hunt.

Over the years, hunting has been a point of contention across the UK, with various activist groups opposing the chasing, trapping, and killing of any animal for sport. Today, the debate still rages on whilst government officials work to find a resolution that both protects British wildlife and keeps this heritage sport alive for future generations.

10/10/2026

A closer look at our refreshed Curators Corner exhibition at Tolson Museums! This month’s theme is New Acquisitions!

This commemorative saucer celebrates the life of John Turner, a Handloom Weaver who lived to the age of 100. Turner was born in Farnley Tyas on 13th January 1814 but spent most of his modest life under one roof in Kirkburton. He died on 4th May 1914 and was laid to rest in Kirkburton Churchyard.

Turning 100 was extremely rare in 1914, so Turner’s 100th birthday attracted national attention, with countless newspaper articles covering the topic. He even received a letter from King George V, a highly unusual token at the time, as the official Royal Telegram tradition did not formally begin until 1917.

On his birthday, the entire village of Kirkburton celebrated as if it were a civic jubilee. Flags were flown throughout the village, including a white ensign from the Parish Church. Two brass bands played, the church bells rang, children were given treats, and those over the age of sixty were given packets of tea. The day was topped off with whole sheep spit-roasted in the streets at Smithy Hall and Dogley, allowing the whole community to share a meal.

These events show us that the village viewed Turner’s life as a historic triumph. As standard commercial souvenirs for centenarians did not exist on the market, we can assume that this plate was commissioned by someone of importance in the village. There is a matching teacup to accompany this saucer, but due to the rarity of these pieces, the museum service does not currently house one within its collection.

08/10/2026

A closer look at our refreshed Curators Corner exhibition at Tolson Museums! This month’s theme is New Acquisitions!

Museum collecting is not just limited to historic objects; items are also acquired that reflect more recent history. This town crier outfit, for example, belonged to Laurie Gilbert who took up the role of Batley and Dewsbury town crier after his retirement in 2006.

The clothes worn by a town crier are referred to as their livery and are thought to be based on the uniform worn by late eighteenth-century coachmen. This full set includes a coat, yellow waistcoat, tricorn hat, bell, and scrolls, and its excellent condition reflects the passion that Laurie brought to the role. The outfit itself was tailor-made, and the two colours were chosen to represent the towns Laurie served.

In Britain, town criers date back to medieval times and are even depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. Historically, they played a vital role in sharing news to the public. While this responsibility is no longer essential to how we receive news today, town criers remain a familiar symbol of community.

This outfit not only represents a long-standing tradition but also highlights how local people continue to keep customs alive today. Acquisitions such as this demonstrate how heritage is not limited to the past but something that continues to evolve in the present.

08/10/2026

Help shape the future of museums in Kirklees.

We're recruiting a Curatorial & Technical Manager to join us at a pivotal moment, leading collections, exhibitions and our skilled curatorial team while helping deliver an ambitious programme of transformation and investment. You'll be an ambitious and inspiring leader, motivated by developing others, driving professional excellence and excited about the future of our museum service.

This is a unique opportunity to lead professional practice across Kirklees Museums & Galleries while contributing to major collections, and capital transformation projects.

Closing date: 28th October, 11:55pm
Apply here: https://tal.pulse.ly/epdben1f2v

05/10/2026

🏰 Bring the Bayeux Tapestry to your classroom.

Take your pupils on a journey back to 1066 with our Medieval Museum in a Box! 📜⚔️

Packed with objects and activities, the box gives pupils the opportunity to explore medieval life and discover what objects can tell us about the people who lived through this fascinating period. From people and homes to work, warfare, and everyday life.

⚔️ Explore medieval life
🔎 Investigate objects
📚 Bring history to life

Ready to open the box? Find out more and loan our Medieval Museum in a Box for your class: https://kirklees.pulse.ly/uiicgd48g2

23/09/2026

22/09/2026

The Curators Corner exhibition has been refreshed at Tolson Museum!

With the theme of New Acquisitions, see some of the new objects that we have acquired and learn about the process of New Acquisitions.

16/09/2026

🏛️ We’re halfway through Heritage Open Days!

There’s still plenty of time to come and visit Tolson Museum this weekend and explore our collections, stories and local history.

⏰ 12pm–5pm both Saturday and Sunday
🎟️ Free entry, as always!

Whether you’re a regular visitor or have never been before, come along and discover what Tolson Museum has to offer. We’d love to see you!