Collections

Reading Museum Service cares for a rich variety of objects collected since the 1880s. These collections tell the story of the archaeology, art, history and natural history of the region from pre-history to the present.

A taste of the different collections:
significant finds from the abandoned Roman town at Silchester, intricately carved Romanesque stones from Reading Abbey, the Thames Water archaeological collection of river finds, Mesolithic material from Thatcham, finds from Saxon Old Windsor, and the Huntley & Palmers collection of decorative biscuit tins.

There is much more to the collections than this. Follow the links to explore the diversity of objects and stories that our collections have to offer.

"England should have a copy of it's own"

The entire length of the replica Bayeux Tapestry online

One magnificent object in the collection is the 19 Century copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. This full size replica is housed in it's own gallery in the Museum of Reading. You can view the entire length of the Tapestry and learn how England came to have it's own copy of the Tapestry and why it is housed at Reading.
N.B. Can be used as a follow up aid for Musueum education sessions.

Oral History at Reading

Investigate people's recollections of Reading life.
All aboard! Listen to the sound of Huntley & Palmers in 1924, browse the index of interviews and discover how to record family memories for future generations.

Special Projects

Projects with objects from the Collections. The Museum is involved in a range of special projects that aim to improve access to the collections.

Services Available

Discover more about the following services: research facilities, consultancy services and a programme of talks.

Photographic Charges

On request we can provide high-quality images of objects from the collection. There is a charge and a copyright form must be signed.