New group attractions at Beamish Museum

The open-air town of Beamish Museum has revealed two new exhibits for groups to enjoy – a chemist’s and a photographers’.

The rooms are the latest addition to the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian themed museum which is based in Durham, and they offer more chances for visitors to get hands-on.

Groups can dress up in Edwardian costume and have their photos taken in the JR & D Edis photography studio, whereas at W Smith’s chemist, they can try traditionally flavoured waters, help to prepare medicines and discover ‘cures’.

Flavoured waters that groups can try include blood tonic and kola – spelled in the traditional way.

The two new exhibits have been opened at the same time for a reason.

Photography became very popular in the 1900s which meant many towns had photography studios.

Photographers often used their local chemist to buy the necessary chemicals for their work.

The businesses are named after chemist William Smith and photographer John Reed Edis, and his daughter Daisy, who all worked in Durham City in the early 1900s. 

Richard Evans, the director of Beamish, commented, “These latest additions to our living museum will help Beamish broaden the stories it tells of everyday life in the North East more than a hundred years ago.

“The exhibits have been developed and built by teams of staff from right across the museum – and they are a fantastic example of what their knowledge, creativity and passion can achieve.

“We hope as many people as possible will come to the museum this year to enjoy the chemist and the photographers’ – and experience a really fascinating part of our heritage being brought back to life.”

About Beamish

Beamish Museum is a re-constructed 350-acre historic village.

The museum includes a 1820s Pockerley old hall, a 1900s town, a 1900s pit village and a 1940s farm.

Upon visiting, groups can explore homes, shops and buildings and meet costumed characters to hear stories from the past.

For more information visit www.beamish.org.uk.