Trip to Mr Straw's House and Harley Art Gallery on 14th March 2025
The RCT mini-bus with fifteen on board, headed north on a cold, mainly sunny morning. The booked time at Mr Straw's House was 12.45pm, so with time to spare, we called at Welbeck Art Gallery first, a light, modern building with tastefully organised displays on the theme of ‘People's Art’.
The 2 hour stop allowed a good look around the gallery, plus an early lunch. Displays presented were by five artists, each based on a single item from Welbeck Abbey.
Behind the gallery is another building with a permanent exhibition, updated periodically, about the family of the Duke of Portland. Downstairs, we visited the palatial toilets, ‘the best loos for miles around’.
Next, our journey took us to Endcliffe Villa on Blyth Road, Worksop, purchased in 1923 by a successful grocer, William Straw, by now married to Florence Anne, the daughter of the butcher opposite the grocer’s. She was well educated, a piano teacher and she created a stylish home for the family.
The small frontage of the semi-detached house belies the depth and many rooms towards the back, each preserved faithfully, just as they were lived in, including the first and second floor.
After a short and informative talk, we entered. There are two pianos, a large number of beds, tables, chairs, cupboards and shelves, all stacked and scattered with household goods, an unbelievable 30,000 treasured possessions!
A fascinating look at the past. But don’t touch anything: it really does look as though the family are merely out for the day.
CLIFF MASON