Derby is packed full to bursting of wonderful heritage and history and is also home to be innovative 18th-century artist, Joseph Wright, famous china maker’s Royal Crown Derby and the nationally recognised arts centre, Derby Quad.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery is at the Strand in Derby and is a great place to learn about the famous artist Joseph Wright of Derby. He is undoubtably one of the most exciting and innovative British artists of the 18th century and is recognised for his exquisite use of light, mainly used to capture the spirit of the Enlightenment, a period when the philosophy, science, industry and art all seems to be entangled together. There is also some of Derby’s best kept artefacts and treasures, including an Egyptian mummy.
Derby Quad is Derby’s newest arts and media centre providing year-round exhibitions from local, national and international artists, as well as being the home of the first BFI Mediatheque outside of London. Situated on Market place in the Cathedral Quarter, it is great for discovering contemporary arts, archive footage of years ago and international films showing the best in the world, Hollywood and independent films. It is a cinema, Gallery, Cafe bar and workshop that anyone can use. The Gallery exhibition programme includes work from local, national and international artists and the workshop brings individuals, communities and artists together to create exciting new art and film, providing access to the arts for everyone. The cafe bar is fully licensed with a comprehensive drinks menu and a range of delicious home-made dishes.
Pickford House is at Friar Gate and is free to get in. It has been described as stepping back in time to the Georgian era and is situated in one of Derby’s finest Georgian townhouses. This charming museum really it’s the elegant Georgian times through fine style furnishings and decoration and has a costume display showing how fashions have changed through the centuries.
Derby Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Derby and is a stunningly beautiful building visited by people all over the world. It is also home of two peregrine falcons, who have nested here for the last six years. Their progress is monitored by web cams.
Royal Crown Derby visitor centre is on Ozmaston Road and is home to the Royal Crown Derby China. The visitor centre provides an insight into the history and the skills that go into making the renowned China, which is internationally collected and renowned in the area. It is great for collectors of fine bone china and admirers of the Royal family and factory tours are available at the Museum as well as some fascinating and unique exhibitions. The visitor centre comprises a factory shop, a coffee shop and a museum and is a great day out.
National Sikh Heritage Centre and Holocaust Museum is free to get in and is great for learning the story of Sikhism. It tells the story of the complex history of this faiths heritage, including tales of courage, sacrifice and genocide using the aid of real artefacts.
Other attractions are the ghost tours and walks. Derby is officially one of the most haunted cities in the UK and with over 315 sightings ghosts in the city centre, it is no wonder Derby is fondly known as ‘the dead centre of England. ‘
Derby Gaol is a working Museum, which is open to the public and has been through many incarnations including a nightclub since its construction. It was eventually bought in 1997 by paranormal investigator and dedicated historian Richard Felix, who appeared in the hit series Most Haunted. It has been restored after much hard work to its current condition, which mirrors closely its original state . Tours of the jail are available privately during the week for parties of 10 or more.