Research and Access

Museum

Research and access are key priorities for Worthing Theatres and Museum. We are keen to help people learn, understand, and be inspired by history through the objects in our collections. We regularly hold workshops that allow our visitors to gain an insight into activities behind the scenes at the museum and learn more about the collections and curatorial process.

We are only able to display a small percentage of our collections to maintain best preservation practices. We are thrilled to offer researchers the unique opportunity to access and study our collections and use our state-of-the-art Costume Research Centre.

Metal Conservation at Worthing Museum

Carola Del Mese is a Post Graduate in the Conservation of Metalwork. She is spending two months at Worthing Museum where she'll assess, clean and conserve artefacts from the archaeology collection.
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Costume Research Centre

The Costume Research Centre is a state-of-the-art facility that offers visitors and researchers a truly unique opportunity to inspect and study one of the world's most important collections of textiles and fashion. The collection includes archaeological fragments, heavy tapestries and carpets, accessories and underwear, embroidered 18th-century court dresses, and contemporary haute couture.

The Costume Research Centre offers visitors:

  • A quiet, light, spacious and comfortable study room where individuals and small groups of up to three people can study objects of their choice.
  • A seminar room for larger groups of up to 10 people.
  • A study collection of textiles selected to show a range of techniques.
  • Reference books and on-site access to the collections database

Access

To gain access to the centre, you will need to provide personal identification, which must include a photograph. Acceptable forms of personal identification include:

  • Valid passport
  • National Insurance Card
  • Photo driving licence
  • Student Union card
  • Official accreditation card from a recognised place of work
  • Worthing Theatres and Museum membership card

Tours

Guided tours of the Costume Research Centre can be organised by contacting the museum team.​

Contact list of staff members

Services and Expertise

At Worthing Theatres and Museum, we aim to share our collections and expertise as widely as possible. Our research not only sheds new light on our collections but also increases our understanding of the world. It is shared with a wide audience through exhibitions, publications, and our learning programme. Loans of objects to local and international venues mean more people than ever can enjoy our treasures. 

Workshops & Training

Our team offer expert advice on collections, their identification, care and management in workshops and custom training sessions. For public workshops, keep an eye on the Exhibitions and Events pages, or contact us to arrange a more tailored session.
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Bianca 1869 by William Holman Hunt 1827 1910

Loans from our collection

From Los Angeles to Laos, we lend objects from our collection to museums around the world. To enquire about borrowing from our collection, please contact us.
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