The Norris Museum

18/06/2026

We had a lovely time at SENSE on Friday celebrating a student's birthday with a fun clay workshop! 🎉🎨

Everyone enjoyed getting creative, making unique clay creations, and sharing lots of smiles and laughter along the way. It was a wonderful way to celebrate a special day together and create lasting memories.

17/06/2026

First woman Barrister was from St Ives!
We were fascinated to learn from ITV Anglia News last week about a new project arising from a collaboration between Ancestry and Dr Amy Boyington, which seeks to evaluate gender representation and bias in historical accounts, textbook and media, to give women their rightful place in history. Elsie May Wheeler (1897-1979) was the first woman to be called to the Bar in 1922. Elsie studied at Girton College, Cambridge and as a barrister, operated on the south east circuit before joining the Home Office. Elsie’s family moved to St Ives in the 1890s – both her father and brother were solicitors. Her father served on the Town Council and was twice elected Mayor. There is a large memorial to the Wheeler family, including Elsie, in Broad Leas cemetery.
The picture of Elsie is from our news cuttings book.

16/06/2026

🌼💚 We’re thrilled to share the Wellbeing Garden on the Waits with you!

This wonderful project has been made possible through a fantastic partnership between Spring Common Academy, St Ives in Bloom, and The Norris Museum.

As part of their learning about the importance of wellbeing, students from Spring Common Academy have put their creativity and skills to work to create this inspiring flowerbed. Reusing items from the previous recycled garden, the students have thoughtfully incorporated beautiful doves and positive wellbeing words throughout the display.
The garden is a celebration of creativity and community partnership. We are incredibly proud of the students for their hard work, imagination, and enthusiasm in bringing this project to life.

Next time you're on the Waits, take a moment to visit the Wellbeing Garden and enjoy the colourful display created by our talented young people. 🌸🕊️✨

15/06/2026

🎨 Just a few days to go!

There’s still time to book your place on Sketching & Drawing Essentials: The Art of Observation with internationally exhibited artist Ernie Butler at The Norris Museum.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to build confidence in your drawing skills, this friendly, hands-on workshop will help you learn to see and sketch the world around you with fresh eyes.

✅ No experience necessary
✅ All materials provided
✅ Small group with expert tuition
✅ Saturday 20 June | 10am–3:30pm

Tickets are still available, but spaces are limited – book now to avoid missing out!

🎟️ https://www.tickettailor.com/events/norrismuseum/2133162?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_njxmrwy0p9

Sketching & Drawing Essentials: The Art of Observation - Workshop by Ernie Butler – The Norris Museum, Sat 20 Jun 2026 - Unleash your creativity, one pencil stroke at a time Have you ever wanted to capture the world around you, but didn't know where to start? Whether you're a complete beginner pic...

15/06/2026

🎨 Arts Award Discover SEND is coming back this August! ✨

We are excited to be running Arts Award Discover SEND across TWO fun and creative sessions at the Norris Museum!
Participants must attend BOTH sessions to achieve their Arts Award Discover certificate, so please make sure you are available for both dates when booking.

📅 Choose from:
• Wednesday 5th August, 1–3pm & Thursday 6th August, 10am–12pm
OR
• Wednesday 19th August, 1–3pm & Thursday 20th August, 10am–12pm

Across the two sessions, participants will explore the museum gallery and collections while taking part in exciting hands-on creative activities.

✏️ Activities could include:
• Sketching
• Creative writing
• Arts and crafts
• And much more!

Participants will complete their own Arts Award logbook to take home and will receive their Arts Award Discover certificate approximately 4 weeks after the sessions.

✨ What you need to know:
• Designed for ages 7–16 with SEND
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• £15 per participant – includes the Arts Award certificate and all materials needed for both sessions
• Limited places available – booking is essential!

Book here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/norrismuseum/...?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_ntxcrwhhit
Come along for creativity, exploration, and achievement! 🌟

12/06/2026

🎨 Celebrate 600 Years of Bridge Chapel Through Art! 🎨

As part of our Bridge Chapel 600th Anniversary Programme, we're inviting you to be inspired by one of our area's most iconic buildings. For six centuries, Bridge Chapel has captivated artists and visitors alike, and has been painted, drawn, and sketched thousands of times. Many beautiful examples can be found in The Norris Museum's collection.

Now it's your turn to discover your artistic flair! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to develop your skills, join us for a series of inspiring workshops led by talented artists Ernie Butler and Anthea Power.

🖌️ Upcoming Workshops

📍 All workshops take place at The Norris Museum
⏰ 10:00am – 3:30pm

• Sketching & Drawing Essentials: The Art of Observation
with Ernie Butler
📅 Saturday 20 June

• Expressive Pen & Wash
with Ernie Butler
📅 Saturday 4 July

• Discover the Magic of Watercolour: Unleash Your Creativity and Embrace the Flow!
with Ernie Butler
📅 Saturday 5 September

• The Art of Illumination
with Anthea Power
📅 Saturday 19 September

Whether you're interested in sketching, watercolour, pen and wash techniques, or the historic art of illumination, these hands-on workshops offer a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and celebrate the enduring legacy of Bridge Chapel.

🎟️ Find out more and book your place here:
http://www.tickettailor.com/events/norrismuseum?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_sccqzk8bot

10/06/2026

Ever wanted to learn how to draw, but not sure where to start?

Join internationally exhibited artist Ernie Butler for a relaxed, hands-on workshop at The Norris Museum on Saturday 20 June, 10am - 3:30pm.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to rediscover a creative hobby, you'll learn essential sketching and observational drawing skills in a supportive small-group setting. All materials are provided, and expert one-to-one guidance is included throughout the day.

🖍️ No experience needed
🖍️ All materials included
🖍️ Small group sizes
🖍️ £45 per person

Spaces are limited, so book now and start your creative journey!

🎟️ Tickets:

Sketching & Drawing Essentials: The Art of Observation - Workshop by Ernie Butler – The Norris Museum, Sat 20 Jun 2026 - Unleash your creativity, one pencil stroke at a time Have you ever wanted to capture the world around you, but didn't know where to start? Whether you're a complete beginner pic...

06/06/2026

🎨☕ Creative Café at The Norris Museum ☕🎨

Looking for a relaxed and welcoming space to get creative and connect with others? Join us for our Creative Café in the Community Room at The Norris Museum!

📅 Monday 8th June
🕥 10.30am – 12.30pm
📍 Community Room, The Norris Museum

The Creative Café takes place on the second Monday of every month, offering a friendly opportunity to enjoy creative activities, meet new people, and spend a few hours in good company.

✨ No need to book – just come along!

We look forward to seeing you there.

05/06/2026

Learn to Draw with an Internationally Exhibited Artist

Fancy finally giving drawing a go? Or rediscovering a hobby you loved years ago?

Our upcoming workshop, Sketching & Drawing Essentials: The Art of Observation, is the perfect opportunity to build real artistic skills in a relaxed, supportive environment – no experience necessary.

You'll be guided by Ernie Butler, an internationally exhibited and collected artist who's studied under masters and exhibited in Chelsea and Venice. But don't let that intimidate you – Ernie's gift is making drawing accessible. He'll teach you the fundamentals that actually matter: how to see like an artist, master shading and tone, understand composition, and move beyond that fear of the blank page.

What's included:
✏️ Expert tuition with individual guidance
✏️ All materials provided (quality paper, pencils, charcoal)
✏️ Small group sizes for personalized attention
✏️ A full day of creative, absorbing practice
✏️ The stress-relieving benefits of sketching

The details:
📅 Saturday 20 June, 10am – 3:30pm
📍 The Norris Museum, PE27 5BX
💷 £45 per person
👥 Recommended age 16+

Whether you're picking up a pencil for the first time or rekindling a long-lost passion, this workshop offers everything you need to develop real artistic confidence.

Book your place:
https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2133162

04/06/2026

🏛️ One month to go!

In just four weeks, Bob Burn-Murdoch returns to St Ives for the first public talk he's given in over a decade. And he's chosen to share the stories – and mysteries – of our medieval bridge and chapel.

If you've been thinking about booking, now's the time. Seats are limited, and we're expecting this to sell out.

Mysteries of the Bridge and Chapel
Bob Burn-Murdoch
3rd July, 7-8.30pm at St Ives Corn Exchange

Tickets available now
https://buytickets.at/norrismuseum/2138793