Bateman Gallery – Life and Works of David Lean
The only exhibition in the country celebrating the internationally acclaimed film director, David Lean. The exhibition draws together information, photographs and film documentaries kindly provided by the David Lean Foundation, the British Film Institute, BAFTA, the BBC and David Lean’s only son, Peter, and his grandson, Nick. It gives an insight into his illustrious career and far from conventional private life.
The 1940s Home Front
‘Brief Encounter’ was filmed during WWII and this area is dedicated to the lives of the people of Britain living on the ‘Home Front’.
What were the fashions of the era during a time of ‘make do and mend’?
How did the nation cope with rationing, bombing raids and their aftermath?
What was it like being an evacuee?
As well as the hardships the people faced alongside the constant worry about loved ones fighting abroad, the exhibition highlights the resilience, humour and community spirit shown by the British people.
‘Brief Encounter’ and Vintage Cinema
For many of our visitors from around the world, this is the main attraction. Our dedicated cinema (small, but perfectly formed), complete with plush tip up seats, is where we show Brief Encounter on the big screen approximately 1,500 times per year. A black and white masterpiece which still tops the polls as the most romantic film ever made and which continues to grow in popularity.
The accompanying exhibition tells the story of how Carnforth Station became the fictional ‘Milford Junction’ where Laura Jesson (Celia Johnson) and Dr. Alec Harvey (Trevor Howard met and fell in love—and all because of a piece of grit in Laura’s eye ………. Prepare to get the hankies out!
Steam Room
Bringing to life through memorabilia, photographs and film, Carnforth’s past as a thriving railway town and a major railway centre. Learn about ‘Lancaster’s Lost Railways’, the Beeching cuts, Carnforth at the end of steam in 1968 and the story of the nation’s steam railways in their heyday.
Age of Steam (New for 2024)
George Stephenson ‘The Father of the Railways’
1825 Vision for the future – ‘I think you will live to see the day, though I may not live so long, when railways will supersede almost all other methods of conveyance in this country, when mail coaches will go by railway and railroads will become the Great Highway for the King and all his subjects. I know there are great and almost insurmountable difficulties that will have to be encountered, but what I have said will come to pass as sure as we live’
Welcome to ‘The Age of Steam” gallery.
Art of Nostalgia (New for 2024)
Few would argue that everything was better in ‘The good old days’. But just for a short while, let us leave what was wrong with the past in the past, whilst revisiting the times that have given people their happiest memories – perhaps a visit to the cinema, a trip on a steam train, a holiday by the sea …… or simply sitting in the sunshine eating fish and chips out of newspaper.
We all have our own memories – and sometimes it’s the little things we remember best. It could perhaps be a sight or sound that re-awakens that memory. So, why not join us as we take a nostalgic journey back through the years to see how the people of Britain spent their leisure time as portrayed by the artists and photographers of their day.
Who knows what happy memories may come flooding back? Welcome to ‘The Art of Nostalgia” gallery.
The Lean-To
Our latest exhibition / retail area – ‘The Lean-To’ features Crafts, Curios and Collectables.
Something to interest everyone – easy on the eye and easy on the purse!
Furness and Midland Hall
Take a step back into the Victorian splendour of railway travel.
A large and impressive Hall with vintage railway posters and memorabilia displayed around the walls. Take a seat and enjoy the film ‘Carnforth’s Heritage’ – a history of our railway town and the development of the Heritage Centre – a building once derelict and due for demolition.
