General Information
Cultural collections description
The Museum of Docklands collections relate primarily to the history of London’s river, port and people. Most of the objects were collected in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s, the period when London’s upriver docks had closed or were in the process of closing. These dock closures had a major knock-on effect on local industries both north and south of the River Thames. Museum staff collected material that reflected important 'workaday' aspects of London's working culture from the docks and Thames-side industries. The artefact collection is complimented by the library and archive of the Museum in Docklands that contains the primary records of the Port of London Authority and the earlier private companies that ran the docks.
In the 19th century London was the port of empire and ships from all over the world brought cargoes and people to the docks and the river Thames. Many objects in the Museum in Docklands reflect these global and colonial links, some directly, others indirectly. For example a collection of 68 destination boards record where cargoes were being shipped to from London’s docks. Ports identified include Singapore, Durban, Kingston, Maracaibo and Acajutla.
The ‘sample’ collection has an even wider range of coverage with samples of different commodities from virtually every corner of the world. There are over 600 samples in the collection. The main part of the collection is on display at the Museum in Docklands, further material is in the World City gallery at the Museum of London and the remaining items are held in store. Each sample provides a link with a distinct part of the world and gives a valuable insight into the commodities that were exported to London. Some of the samples date from the late 19th century and formed part of the Port of London Authority’s museum housed at Cutler Street Warehouses, close to Liverpool Street Station.
Paintings, prints, photographs and films record how cargoes were transported in ships and then unloaded in the docks and stored in warehouses. Most of the photographs depicting people at work in the port show white working class dockers handling cargo on board ship, on the quayside and in the warehouses. A few depict Asian and African sailors who worked on the ships that arrived in the port of London.
In the 1980s, a photographic survey was made of factories and riverside sites from which the Museum was collecting artefacts. Some of the photographs show black and minority ethnic people at work.
In autumn 2005 the Museum in Docklands will be opening a new resource centre where its library and archive collections will be publicly accessible.
View detailed collections record >
African
|
Asian
|
Asian: Chinese
|
Caribbean
|
Central & South America
|
Central & South America
|
Central & South America
|
Central & South America
|
Cross-cultural
|
Near & Middle East
|
North, West & Southern Europe: Irish
|
Oceania
General Information
Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Pre-booking service for groups
Disability Access
General audio-guide available
Induction loops in lecture theatres
Large print information and/or interpretation
Toilets for disabled
Touch exhibits and/or handling sessions
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Wheelchairs available for loan
Children and Families
Activities for pre-school children
Baby changing facilities
Children's play area
Events and resources for children and families
Indoor soft play area
General Education
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
General audio-guide available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
Schools Education
Direct teaching services for schools
Primary school education service available
Secondary school education service available
Facilities
Auditorium
Cafeteria
Facilities for private functions and events
General audio-guide available
Meeting room available
Refreshments
Restaurant
Shop
|
