The American Museum in Britain, Claverton Manor, Bath, Wiltshire

The American Museum in Britain (AMIB), at Claverton Manor, Bath, is the only permanent public collection of American decorative arts and crafts to be found outside the United States. Established in 1961, the museum marked its 50th anniversary in 2011.

The Origins of the Museum

The museum was originally set up by three friends: British antiques dealer, John Judkyn; American psychiatrist and collector, Dr Dallas Pratt; and Nick Bell Knight, a furniture restorer. In the mid-1950s Judkyn and Pratt had already decided to establish a museum of American decorative arts and crafts in Britain. By 1958, they had chosen Claverton Manor as an appropriate exhibition centre and started seriously searching for suitable items.

What Does the Collection Contain?

The arts and crafts on display span a period from the early settlers to the 20th century, and the displays explore all aspects of American culture. Exhibits are placed in reconstructed period rooms from buildings in the United States. More than 15,000 pieces are on show, including costumes and gowns, porcelain and furniture. The museum also has a fine collection of early maps charting the opening up of the Americas, as well as native folk art and a wonderful collection of quilts.

New Folk Art Gallery

As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations the American Museum opened a new Folk Art Gallery where work created by craftsmen active in pre-Industrial America is on display. Much of this work had a practical purpose such as weather vanes, bird decoys and trade signs.

The Coach House

The old stables have become The Coach House. The centre is used for concerts, film screenings, educational activities and lecture programmes, as well as for corporate activities.

AMIB has published a number of books that will not only enhance your visit, but will also provide a permanent record for you to take home. A general introduction to the museum can be found in ″Aspects of America″ by Sandra Barghini, former director of the museum. In addition, Laura Beresford, the museum's curator, has written ″Folk Art from the American Museum in Britain″ in which she discusses exhibits displayed in the Folk Art Gallery. If you are interested in the quilt collection then ″Classic Quilts from the American Museum in Britain″ by Laura Beresford and Kate Herbert could be of interest.

The museum is open during the summer months, with an annual closure from October to early March, apart from a four-week period leading up to Christmas. Details of exact opening times and dates can be obtained from The American Museum in Britain.