The History of Cinema in Frome – 5 September-16 November
Our autumn exhibition recounts the history of Frome’s cinemas.
Since about 1890, five picture houses have been open at different times in Frome, all within half a mile of the Market Place.
The history of of these cinemas, from Bray’s in Vicarage Street to the Westway in Cork Street, tells a fascinating story.
Object of the Month – September 2024
This month’s object is a portrait of Elizabeth Singer Rowe (1674-1737).
Elizabeth Rowe was amongst 18th century England’s most widely read authors, and her writing remained popular into the 19th century.
Though little read today, her work was radical for her time, including hymns, poetry and the vehement defence of women’s rights.
Her father, Rev Walter Singer, was a Nonconformist preacher and Dissenter, who founded Rook Lane Chapel.
Following the death of her husband in 1715, Elizabeth moved back to the family home in Rook Lane House, where a plaque commemorates her.
She remained there until her death in 1737. Her remains were interred in her father’s grave at Rook Lane Congregational Church.
In the biography affixed to the front of her posthumously published Miscellaneous Works, her brother-in-law, Theophilus Rowe, described her thus:
“Mrs. Rowe was not a regular beauty, yet she possessed a large measure of the charms of her sex. She was of a moderate stature, her hair of a fine auburn colour, and her eyes of a darkish grey inclining to blue, and full of fire. Her complexion was exquisitely fair, and a natural rosy blush glowed in her cheeks. She spoke gracefully, and her voice was exceeding sweet and harmonious, and perfectly suited to that gentle language which always flowed from her lips.”
Elizabeth’s portrait, which is on permanent display at the museum, perfectly captures this description.
Worn Out in Frome – 7-29 September
Worn Out in Frome is an exhibition of worn and mended items of dress from the collection at Frome Museum and on loan from visible mender and author Skye Pennant.
Skye will be mending at the museum on 21 September between 12.00pm and 1.00pm. She will also be selling signed copies of her new book ‘Well Worn’
A pop-up in the old Amica shop in Cheap Street will complement the museum’s display and there will be series of events at the museum on 21 and 25 September to accompany the exhibition and pop-up.
For more information: https://www.sustainablefashionweek.uk/Frome
https://slowstitch.club/
To book a place at an event, visit: http://www.tickettailor.com/events/lucygundry/1319627
‘Hidden Frome’ – a historical and architectural walk led by Andrew Ziminski – 28 September
Based in Frome, Andrew Ziminski has been working as a heritage stonemason on churches and monuments in Bath and the West Country for more than thirty years.
His knowledge of the history and architecture of Frome is unparalleled. There are sure to be some surprises!
Tickets are £5 each.
The walk will start at Frome Museum, 1 North Parade, Frome. BA11 1AT.
Calling all researchers!
Following several years of development by a team of expert volunteers, the museum’s new online collections catalogue, with tens of thosands of records covering the history of Frome, is now available to all public researchers.
Accessible online via this website, Axiell Collections is faster in terms of searches and downloads than the previous system and will futureproof the museum with its ability to supports new technical developments in the future.
Together with this year’s refreshed branding and new approach to exhibitions and events, it strengthens the museum’s reputation as one of the most advanced small museums in the south west.
