Quietly Making History in Wimbledon - Julia Slawska, Ursuline High School

The original Village Club was the result of a meeting on 22nd July 1857, in which it was decided that a Reading Room should be built, to give the inhabitants of Wimbledon, “opportunities of intellectual and moral improvement, and rational and social enjoyment.” The building stands almost unchanged to this day, with an unmatched vintage atmosphere.

The founders, specifically Joseph Toynbee, had always envisioned a museum as being a facility offered by the Club. Though he died before his dream became reality, it inspired Richardson Evans, another founder. In 1916, the John Evelyn Club (which would later go on to become the Wimbledon Society) opened the Museum of Wimbledon on the first floor of the building, and it has stood there ever since. 

The Museum awaits (Image: Julia Slawska)

Their website, which helpfully details their history, discusses what is on offer: “Our Collections are a way of exploring the history, natural history and people of the Wimbledon area over many millions of years to the present day.” Highlights include a Women’s Suffrage Collection, vintage toys, and even a, “small but distinguished,” Archeology Collection. “Our Collection also reflects the tastes, enthusiasms and preferences of those involved with it, especially in the earlier years,” it goes on to say.

Speaking of those involved in the Museum, notably, its first Curator was a woman - Margaret Grant. She rose to be the secretary of Dr Francis Bather, the Museum’s first chairman, and was also the Secretary of the Wimbledon Branch of the Women’s Social and Political Union - also known as the suffragettes. She was appointed Curator in 1916 and dedicated herself to the Museum for 30 years. Her documentation and care for collections was outstanding, and according to the current Curator, Dr Pamela Greenwood, “Margaret Grant’s record keeping was an example to all who came after her.” Even though the Museum's function was disrupted during both World Wars, between them, Grant was on duty every Saturday without fail. She is recognised and commended for her exemplary work - “The years of her curatorship were a Golden Age for the Museum.”

What of the Museum today? It was last refurbished in 1933, so the decision was taken for it to undergo a refurbishment and it has been closed as of November 2022. Two years later, however, it has now finally re-opened. “Thanks to the generosity of the Wimbledon Village Hall Trust, the base build works have been carried out to a very high standard,” the website explains. “We have a gorgeous new oak floor, and a magnificently replastered ceiling. The brickwork and timber frames around our lovely bow window have been restored. Our beautiful interior can be seen in all its glory.” 

As you enter through a small courtyard and into the entrance hall, striking portraits beckon you to climb the stairs. Though the Museum is contained to just one room, the sense of history all around you is palpable. Display cases with model mansions and gleaming glassware grab your eye, with fascinating histories behind even the most inconspicuous of items. A stuffed peacock takes pride of place, over 100 years old, once belonging to a certain Sir Henry Peek.

A statuette of Sister Nivedita (Margaret Noble) - she lived and worked in Wimbledon as a teacher, before becoming a campaigner for Indian Independence. (Image: Julia Slawska)

The Museum hopes their Collections will, “tell new stories, which will appeal to young and old alike.” Wimbledon’s rich history is beautifully encapsulated in this charming Victorian building, and welcomes anyone, Wimbledonian or not, to come and visit.

Their motto certainly rings true - “We’re making history here.”