Saddleworth Museum and Gallery

The Saddleworth Museum stands in Uppermill, a village in the Saddleworth area of Greater Manchester. It occupies part of the old Victoria Mill, a 19th-century building saved from dereliction in 1959 by Roger Tanner. The museum opened in 1962 with a single gallery and has grown into a local history museum. Its collections cover the heritage of Saddleworth from early settlements to the present day. A board of trustees was formed in the 1970s to guide the museum’s work. In 1980 a public appeal added a community gallery for art and events. The museum faced funding cuts and ageing fabric by 2010, so it opened its own visitor information centre and ran a fundraising campaign. A grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014 paid for a full refurbishment. The project created a new reception, modern galleries with interactive exhibits, and learning spaces for children. Volunteers helped carry out the work and continue to support daily operations. The Friends group organises fundraising events and membership programmes to keep the museum sustainable. Visitors find a modern reception area leading to refurbished galleries. High-tech and interactive exhibits bring Saddleworth’s past to life for all ages. The learning spaces host children’s activities and school programmes. Outside, the mill’s remaining walls frame a small courtyard. The museum’s online platform offers virtual tours and a shop for local gifts.