The Robert Owen Museum

The Robert Owen Memorial Museum is on the ground floor of the Town Council building in the centre of Newtown. The building, of Arts and Crafts design and listed Grade 2, was erected in 1902, in order to provide a Free Library and a meeting room. The Co-operative Union subscribed part of the cost, in memory of Robert Owen. The Museum occupies the former Library portion.

The Museum is the only museum specifically devoted to Robert Owen. The bulk of the collection was acquired in the 1920s, some seventy years after his death. Most of the items are from Robert Owen's time and have a direct association with him.

The Museum is intriguingly laid out in a domestic style, which suits the large numbers of pictures on display. Portraits of Robert Owen and prints of New Lanark are strongly represented. Also to be seen are mementoes of his birthplace, items from New Lanark, and various of Owen's belongings including a handsome bureau, and some fine busts.

Unusual items on display include a 'Silent Monitor' from New Lanark, a life mask of Robert Owen, and Labour Notes in hours from the National Equitable Labour Exchange. The Museum has 55 of Robert Owen's letters, but only one can usefully be displayed, as his writing is almost illegible. Some transcripts, however, can be seen.

Robert Owen's story is told clearly on text panels in large type. Our Robert Owen video film can be viewed in the Museum. It runs for 23 minutes, and there is seating for up to ten people.

The Museum is a registered charity and a purely voluntary organisation, depending mainly upon donations. All contributions are gratefully received.