A visit to Cromer Museum

We have just enjoyed a very short break on the North Norfolk Coast.

We stayed near Blakeney and, the weather being fine, we were able to walk along the sea wall and enjoy the birds and marshes.

One of the main reasons for the trip was to visit the museum in Cromer before the end of the month when it closes for the winter.  I wanted to see the photographs taken in the first half of the 20^th century by local woman, Olive Edis.  Not long ago the museum paid £42,000 to secure a collection of her works taken between 1905 and 1955.  In addition to local scenes, Olive was well known for her portraits both of Norfolk subjects and, also, well known people including  King, George Vl , and Thomas Hardy the poet.  She was also the only female war photographer in World War l.

A Cromer Fisherman, autochrome by Olive Edis

The photographs were certainly worth seeing, although lack of space means that only a relatively small selection are available to view without an appointment.  I think the museum could really make more of this unique asset, but probably a capital project would be necessary to achieve this.   We also enjoyed the displays about the fossilised remains that have been found in the local cliffs, including the famous West Runton Elephant!

It is sad that the District Council has seen fit to halve their grant to the museum (of which it is the owner.)  This has meant that it has to close for the winter, rather undermining Cromer’s claim to be a ‘round the year’ resort.   I wonder how the council is spending its New Homes Bonus?

After admiring other exhibits, including a display about the West Runton Elephant, we went on the pier, which is well preserved and very attractive.  Perhaps that is where all the money has gone?