Frome Museum

There are two display rooms and a Library, with displays of many local industrial artefacts, maps & photos. The collections include local archaeological and historical artefacts related to the historical development of Frome and district. A display is devoted to the Butler and Tanner printing works in the town, including an old printing press. Another display exhibits photographs, diagrams, plans and tools from James Fussell's Ironworks of Mells. A Cockey lamp is on show, with its art nouveau style; more than 60 can still be seen around the town. Other displays show items from Bussman Cooper (later Beswicks), the Marston House Fire Engine, local blacksmithying, a Chemist Shop from Bath Street and a collection of Victorian and later costumes.[1]

There is a large selection of photographs, glass negatives and Art Metal Works from the local company Messrs J.W.Singer & Sons Ltd.[2] John Webb Singer was born in Frome and established his art metal work foundry in 1851. They made brass ornaments for local churches and became known through the Oxford Movement within the Church of England which led to increasing demand for church ornaments.[3] In addition to church ornaments the firm developed the facilities and expertise to create large statues. One of the first statues cast was a copy of General Gordon riding a camel. The firm was also responsible for the bronze statue of Boudica with her daughters in her war chariot (furnished with scythes after the Persian fashion), which was commissioned by Prince Albert and executed by Thomas Thornycroft. It was not cast in bronze until 1902, 17 years after Thornycrofts death, and now stands next to Westminster Bridge and the Houses of Parliament, London.[4] The statue of Lady Justice on dome above the Old Bailey was executed by the British sculptor, F. W. Pomeroy and cast by Singers. She holds a sword in her right hand and a pair of weighing scales in her left. The statue is popularly supposed to show blind Justice; however, the figure is not blindfolded. The statue of Alfred the Great at Winchester was a further commission.[5] The statues form Singers have also been exported around the world.[6]

The Italianate building was built as a Literary and Scientific Institute in 1865 for John Sinkins. The architect was J Hine and it was built by the company Carr and Pickford. It is a Grade II listed building.[7] Cleaning and conservation of the building has been undertaken by Chedburn Dudley in conjunction with the Frome Historic Building Preservation Trust.[8]