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The jewel in Forest Hill's crown: the Horniman Museum
& Gardens photographed in spring 2005 by Catz &
Stuart |
Click on photograph for a larger
version. |
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The Horniman Museum was opened in 1901 as a gift of
Frederick Horniman. He, and his father John, had made their fortune in the tea
trade. The business had begun in 1826 importing tea from China and India. Their
breakthrough came in 1875 with the production of tea in sealed packets marketed
as a cheap drink to the fast growing poulation.
Frederick as he travelled the world developed a
passionate interest ethnography and became an enthusiastic collector. He lived
at Surrey House in London Road and soon was overflowing with his fast expanding
collection. It was open to the public and by 1890 he had moved out to another
home to make more space. This was not enough and it was replaced by the current
purpose built Museum in 1901. Designed by Harrison Townsend it was, and is, one
of the most original Art Nouveau buildings in England with its distinctive
clock tower and barrel roofed main hall.
It
has expanded over the years with some less distinguished architecture. Then it
benefittedfrom Millennium funding to replace these with a stunning new
extension including the Musical Instrument Gallery and Education Centre. these
were opened on 14 June 2002.
Click on the pictures for a quick tour of the
outside.... |
