“A borough museum? But wasn’t there one that suffered a fire?” you might be thinking. You’re right, the Cuming Museum did experience a fire back in 2013. While its galleries remain closed, the spirit of the Borough Museum lives on through Southwark’s rich heritage. It’s not confined to a single building, but scattered across locations like the Southwark Archives on Borough High Street and the Local History Library nestled behind John Harvard Library.
These repositories house a treasure trove of books, photographs, maps, and even videos, all whispering tales of Southwark’s past. Ever heard of the Cuming family? Their diverse collection, encompassing artifacts from around the globe alongside local history, forms a core part of the Borough Museum’s legacy.
Unfortunately, you can’t wander through the Cuming Museum’s galleries at the moment. But don’t despair! You can delve into Southwark’s history digitally. A selection of photographs awaits your curious eyes at www.southwarkcollections.org.uk. They offer a glimpse into bygone eras, sparking your imagination about life in Southwark through the ages.