Southwark collections

Southwark collections online is an exciting resource that allows you to explore and browse the catalogue for the worldwide Cuming Museum collection, the Southwark local history ibrary historic images collection and the Southwark art Collection. The site also contains:

• The history of the three collections
• The collections highlights featuring selections of some of the special collections
• The My Collections feature that allows visitors to create their own collections that can be viewed by others
• The site includes information on how to see more of the collections and how to make donations

Cuming Museum collection

The Cuming collection has at its core the Cuming Family Bequest collection including many special objects from all over the world, curiosities, ancient history, archeology, social history, 19th century English popular art and natural history. It is an intact 19th century 'Cabinet of Curiosities' collection, one of very few still in existence.

The Cuming collection also includes gifts and donations made during the 20th century, including the Lovett collection of London superstitions, archeology and social history telling the story of the development of Southwark and its people.

• See more of the Cuming collection

Local history library historic image collection

Southwark art collection

Southwark culture and heritage services currently cares for the Southwark art collection which was formally housed at the South London Gallery.

The collection contains a variety of fine art including approximately 250 Victorian oil and water-colour paintings and around 2000 works on paper, including prints. The collection also includes contemporary art by artists connected with south London.

The collection is frequently included in exhibitions at the Cuming Museum browse the collections database and view details of previous exhibitions that have featured works from the collection.