Researching the collection and archive
Introduction to the collection and archive
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery and Abington Park Museum hold a wide range of collections and associated archive, library and documentation resources. We welcome access to these resources through research visits, viewings and correspondence. We welcome collection and archive enquiries for research by academics, students, universities and institutions, family researchers and individuals. We will not be able to answer Art collection enquiries from 1 November 2021 until 1 January 2023 and history enquiries from 4 April until 1 July 2022 due to staff capacity.
The collection
We hold a wide range of collections available for research including the Arts Council England Designated shoe collection, fine and decorative art, soial history, costume, archaeology, coins and medals, geology, ethnography, Northamptonshire Regiment and the Northamptonshire Yeomanry.
Research or enquire about the collections
Archive resources
We care for archive resources associated with the shoe collection, Northamptonshire Yeomanry collection and the Northamptonshire Regiment collection.
Research or enquire about the archives
Shoe archive
If you have an enquiry regarding researching shoes and shoemaking ancestors have a look at our shoe pages.
If you have an enquiry regarding researching concealed shoes have a look at our guidance on concealed shoes.
Northamptonshire Yeomanry archive
This consists of photos, official documents, personal diaries and papers. This is held at the Northamptonshire Record Office.
Research the Northamptonshire Yeomanry archive
If you have an enquiry regarding researching family members in the Northamptonshire Yeomanry have a look at our guidance.
Guidance on researching your military ancestors
Northamptonshire Regimental archive
This consists of photos, official documents, personal diaries and papers. These archives can be accessed by appointment.
If you have an enquiry regarding researching family members in the Northamptonshire Regiment have a look at our guidance.
Guidance on researching your military ancestors
Library resource
We hold libraries of art, history and shoe books relating to our collections which can be accessed by appointment only. Access to the library will be available from 2022 due to our major expansion project at Northampton Museum and Art Gallery.
Research or enquire about the library
How to book a research visit or make an enquiry
Visits are by appointment only. We will not be able to answer Art collection enquiries from 1 November 2021 until 1 January 2023 and history enquiries from 4 November until 1 July 2022 due to staff capacity.
Book a visit or make an enquiry
You will be able to view a specified selection of objects or archive relevant to your own interest. There will be a limit on the number of items you can see at any one appointment.