Cuckfield Museum
James Forsyth: painter, poet, playwright
This autumn Cuckfield Museum is commemorating the work of James Forsyth (1913-2005), the distinguished artist and writer who lived in a converted granary at Ansty for many years. He and his wife Louise were the driving force behind the Ansty Barn Theatre, the last production there being staged 40 years ago in 1986. Many houses in the area will have his popular paintings or prints hanging on their walls, but do come in and see those in the museum’s collection or privately owned, some of which have not been on public display before.
There are also various items from some of his theatrical productions as well as booklets of James’s longer poems.
Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Independent State of Cuckfield
The Museum’s Summer display looks at how the village declared Independence in 1966, producing its own currency, stamps and passports.
The original aim of raising money for local causes carries on today with the annual election of an Independent State Mayor who must raise the most money to win.
Cuckfield Museum opened in 1981 as an independent museum where we aim to provide an insight into Cuckfield’s community, culture and historic past stretching back to pre-history when dinosaurs roamed the area and where, millions of years later, the settlement of Cuckfield was established.
The Museum holds a large collection of postcards and photographs relating to Cuckfield and its people. Here is a small sample.
Follow the links at the top of the page to find out more about our Collection and Permanent Displays. As well as a sample of Cuckfield’s Heritage.
We are run entirely by volunteers and rely solely on donations from our supporters and members. See here for how you can help us. If you’d like to donate an object to the Museum, please complete our Object Donation Enquiry form which can be found here.
A number of Loan Boxes are available for schools. And we run a programme of Talks and Events throughout the year.
There are a number of experts on our curatorial team who are happy to undertake specific research on a visitor’s behalf, particularly regarding family history. If you would like to take advantage of this service, for which there is an upfront charge of £25, please email us at familyhistory@cuckfieldmuseum.org giving details of your enquiry.
Our normal opening
hours are:
Wednesday to Saturday
10am till 12.30pm.
Or by appointment.
You can find us at:
Queen’s Hall, High Street, Cuckfield RH17 5EL
Or contact us on 07857-815880 info@cuckfieldmuseum.org
Admission is free but, as the Museum is solely funded from voluntary contributions, donations are welcomed.
Or join us as a Friend or Patron
