Museum History

The origins of the Museum Service

1879 The foundation stone was laid for Reading Corporation's Free Library and Museum.

1882 Reading Corporation's Libraries and Museums Committee was formed, the president was William Isaac Palmer, brother of the founder of Huntley & Palmers biscuit company.
Horatio Bland died, leaving his private collection of objects from all over the world to the Corporation.

1882 New Concert Hall opens in the Town Hall extension designed by Thomas Lainson. The Father Willis Organ was relocated to this new hall.

1883 Reading Museum opens in purpose-built galleries over the library in the Town Hall. The first Honorary Curator was Dr Joseph Stevens.

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