Staffordshire Moorlands District Council

Introduction

The Nicholson Institute is a Grade II* landmark building, situated in Stockwell Street , Leek in the heart if the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Leek is an ancient market town and a gateway to the Peak District. It is blessed with wonderful architecture that is the legacy of the rich mill owners of the 19th century. The town boasts many arts and crafts connections with the past.

Today Leek enjoys a thriving arts scene and is also known for its inviting town centre offering cafes, independent clothes and antiques shops, an open and indoor market.

Joshua Nicholson, who became head of textiles firm Brough, Nicholson and Hall, paid for the institute to be designed and built. On 11th September 1882, the foundation stone of the Nicholson Institute was laid by Mrs Nicholson and on 16th October 1884 the building opened.  Many famous figures entered the doors of the Nicholson over the years. Having a museum, library and education rooms, the institute played host to music recitals and lectures by the likes of Oscar Wilde and John Betjamen.

In 2006 the library facilities were re- developed by Staffordshire County Council and, in 2008, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council paid for the refurbishment of the gallery facilities. The gallery was officially re-opened by the Honourable Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire , Mr James Hawley, on 12th December.

The District Council's arts development department is working with other organisations such as Staffordshire County Council's Library Services, Staffordshire Arts & Museums Service, Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, and history, photography and arts societies to deliver a wide programme of exhibitions and activities for the future. Selected items from the original museum collection will be put on public view in the gallery for certain exhibitions, along with small displays in the eight specially-commissioned cases in the library.

For more information contact Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Arts Development Service. www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/doitonline
Telephone 0345 6053010

please click here to view Nicholson Gallery Exhibitions Programme 2010

Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am to 4pm
Closed sundays and Bank Holidays

Pages in The Nicholson Institute and its Collection of Paintings and Curiosities

• 1. You are here Nicholson Gallery Exhibitions Programme 2010
• 2. A Potted History
• 3. More Potted History

• Related Forms
• Related Downloads
• Related Meetings & Minutes

• Related News

• Print this page
• Email this to a friend