Lace-From William Borlase to Pamela Nottingham
For centuries, lace adorned aristocratic fashion sustained generations of skilled workers. From dexterous makers to entrepreneurial merchants, lace-making has shaped the local communities, providing a riveting slice of social history. More recently, Marlow-born Pamela Nottingham dedicated her life to preserving this heritage. On her passing in 2023, she left a remarkable legacy: her lace collection and a financial bequest to the Museum to ensure Marlow’s rich lace-making tradition lives on for future generations. This exhibition will also be illustrated by lace making demonstrations will be running at the museum throughout the exhibition from 27thApril.
Our recent exhibitions have featured: -
Marlow Writers Exhibition
Marlow 70 years ago (at the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II)
The Story of Marlow
Marlow Bottom – from Tin-Town to Des Res
General Higginson
20 Women of Marlow
Sir William Borlase and his Legacy
Lacemaking in Marlow
The Marlow Donkey
The Natural History of the River
Little Marlow
Bisham
Archaeology

The Story of Marlow
Space does not allow us to feature more than one exhibition at a time, although the timeline from the Story of Marlow is nearly always on display. A display from our recent Marlow Writers exhibition is currently featured in Marlow Library, together with a selection of our publications.
Gen. Higginson’s Drum
Some photos which recently illustrated our Marlow Writers exhibition.

Edgar Wallace in his motor launch at Bourne End

Enid Blyton at a book signing in High Wycombe © Bucks Free Press
Our collections
Here are links to some items from our collection, click on the titles below to discover the stories behind all these objects...