Decorative Arts

The Decorative Arts Collection is made up of beautiful objects that were made to be admired or used. It includes metalwork, ceramics, glass, clocks and the Grice Collection of Chinese Ivories. The largest and most important part of the collection is metalwork.

The Decorative Arts Collection includes pottery from local factories such as Rockingham and Pinxton as well as examples from Worcester, Derby, Wedgwood and Leeds. There are some beautiful Dutch pieces commemorating the Restoration, apothecary jars once used by pharmacists and a 17th century slipware (decorative lead glazed earthenware) collection. Other commemorative pieces mark the Sheffield Flood or celebrate famous figures including Nelson, Queen Caroline and John Wesley. The influence of China and Japan can be seen in Oriental ceramics made in this country in the 19th century.

There are around 500 pieces of glass in the collection, many of which are from South Yorkshire factories such as Catcliffe. There are also some large 17th Century German beakers with painted designs.