A nationally recognised quality mark has highlighted the Oxfordshire Museum as one of the UK and Ireland’s leading places for heritage learning.

The Oxfordshire County Council-run museum, in Woodstock, has been awarded the Sandford Award for the quality of its heritage learning programme. This includes curriculum linked workshops for schools, as well as informal learning opportunities for families and visitors.

The award is the UK and Ireland’s leading quality mark for heritage learning and recognises sites that offer engaging, inspiring and inclusive learning experiences. Independently assessed, it celebrates high-quality education programmes at heritage sites.

The Oxfordshire Museum is listed among the 2026 Sandford Award recipients by the Heritage Education Trust.

The award is valid until September 2031 and will be presented at a ceremony at Kensington Palace on 17 November.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is fantastic recognition for the Oxfordshire Museum and the team who work so hard to make heritage learning engaging, accessible and meaningful for children, young people and families.

“Learning outside the classroom can bring history and local heritage to life in a way that stays with people. We are proud that the museum’s education programme has been recognised nationally and look forward to welcoming even more schools and visitors to Woodstock.”

The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum provided financial support for the museum’s application.

Edward Dowler, Chair of Trustees, Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, said: “The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum were very pleased to fund the museum’s application for the Sandford Award. We are delighted that the application was successful, further strengthening the museum’s deserved reputation for high-quality heritage education for children.”

For the award, the museum submitted an application and supporting evidence, followed by an assessor’s site visit. The assessor’s report praised the quality of its learning provision and identified priorities for future development.

The award follows the museum’s achievement of receiving the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC)’s Quality Badge earlier this year, which recognised the quality of its educational visits and risk management arrangements.

Schools interested in what is on offer can visit the museum’s website to find out more.

About the Sandford Award

The Sandford Award is the quality mark for heritage learning and validates heritage sites and services that offer a formal learning programme supporting the relevant curriculum across the home countries. Recognition is also given to informal learning, including family programmes and self-guided provision.

The scheme began in 1978 and is managed by the Heritage Education Trust in partnership with Lincoln Bishop University.

In 2026, the Heritage Education Trust announced 29 Sandford Award winners, including the Oxfordshire Museum.

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Step into Oxfordshire’s world of dragons, fairies, folklore and local legends this summer, as a new exhibition at the Oxfordshire Museum invites people to discover the tales that have shaped the county for generations.

Timeless Tales, which opens to the public on 18 July and runs until 6 September at the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum in Woodstock, explores the county’s rich folklore through tales of superstition, traditions and mythology.

Visitors will be able to explore a woodland setting, encounter a dragon and uncover beliefs, customs and local legends that have shaped Oxfordshire over time, with objects from the museum’s collection bringing the exhibition to life.

Little ones can also enjoy a special fairy door trail in the museum garden.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is a fascinating exhibition about stories and storytelling throughout our county’s history, bringing together traditions and local legends that continue to capture people’s imaginations.

“Whether you’re interested in local history, old beliefs or simply a good tale, this exhibition is a chance to see Oxfordshire in a new light and discover folklore hidden in familiar places. I hope residents and visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring the exhibition and feel inspired to share their own stories and traditions too.”

The exhibition is inspired by the discovery of notes recorded by Miss Constance Stanley-Smith, a former Oxfordshire County Librarian, who, from 1935, collected accounts of folklore, superstitions, miracles, hauntings and traditions from parishes throughout the county.

Supporting events throughout the summer include a performance in the museum garden by folk band Moonrakers, storytelling sessions and much more. Find out what’s on by visiting the Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

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Visitors can look forward to a summer of stories, creativity and live entertainment as the Oxfordshire Museum unveils its 2026 programme.

The summer holidays will bring a wide range of events and activities for all ages, including two ticketed performances in the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum gardens.

The programme begins on Saturday 11 July, when 440 Theatre returns to the museum gardens in Woodstock with an outdoor performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Live music follows on Friday 14 August, when Moonrakers perform Magic, Myth and Mystery in British Folk Music.

Tickets for both events are available to purchase through the museum’s website.

The events form part of a wider programme inspired by the museum’s summer exhibition, Timeless Tales, which opens on Saturday 18 July and explores Oxfordshire’s myths, superstitions and traditions.

The museum will also launch on Bloomberg Connects on 18 July, giving visitors free access to digital content and tours designed to enhance their visit.

The accessible app includes exclusive curator interviews and self-guided tours to help visitors explore the collections in more depth.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “The Oxfordshire Museum has put together a brilliant summer programme with something for everyone to enjoy.

“From theatre and live music to crafts, storytelling and hands-on activities, it offers families a great way to spend time together, get creative and explore Oxfordshire’s stories and heritage. It is important to us that many of the activities are free, so as many people as possible can take part.

“The launch of Bloomberg Connects this summer will also give visitors another way to discover more about the museum and its collections.”

Children and families can also enjoy free holiday activities at the Oxfordshire Museum, the Bishop’s Palace in Witney and Swalcliffe Barn.

At the Oxfordshire Museum, activities will run from 28 July to 27 August on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A special storytelling event, Dragons and Ditches – Cuckoos and Witches, will take place on 1 August thanks to support from the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum.

There will also be workshops for adults, including creative writing and summer posy making, while the museum café will be open throughout the season serving freshly prepared lunches and homemade bakes.

Find out more about summer events and activities at the Oxfordshire Museum by visiting its website.

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Children and young people visiting Oxfordshire Museum will be able to enjoy high-quality learning experiences backed by robust safety standards, after the museum was awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge. 

The museum, in Woodstock, is run by Oxfordshire County Council and has achieved national recognition for the quality of its educational visits.

The LOtC Quality Badge is the only scheme that recognises both the quality of learning and the effectiveness of risk management. It is awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “We want every child and young person to have inspiring, safe opportunities to learn beyond the classroom.

“Being awarded the LOtC Quality Badge is a fantastic achievement for the team and shows that we offer young people high-quality learning experiences, and we look forward to welcoming even more schools, children and young people to the museum in Woodstock.”

The application was funded by the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, a volunteer led charity dedicated to supporting and enhancing the museum.

Edward Dowler, Chair of Trustees, Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, said: “A very important objective of The Friends is to enhance children’s learning when they visit the museum. We are delighted that our financial support enabled the museum to achieve this award.”

The LOtC Quality Badge is endorsed by the Department for Education. It is held by many of the UK’s leading providers of educational visits and helps schools choose venues with high standards of learning and risk management.

Find out more about the LOtC Quality Badge by visiting its dedicated website.

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Young writers across Oxfordshire are being encouraged to unleash their imaginations as the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum launch their second annual Children’s Creative Writing Competition.

The competition, open to all children aged seven to 11 living in Oxfordshire and run in partnership with the Oxfordshire County Council-run Oxfordshire museum, offers young storytellers the chance to see their ideas come to life.

Budding writers are invited to submit a piece of creative writing of no more than 500 words inspired by any object within the museum’s collections.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “This wonderful competition encourages children to explore their creativity while connecting with the fascinating history preserved in our museum collections. It’s inspiring to see young people engage so enthusiastically with storytelling, and I’m excited that we can support opportunities like this that nurture imagination, confidence and a lifelong love of writing.”

Entries will be judged by an expert panel, with winners selected across two age categories and one outstanding piece chosen as the overall competition winner. The top young writer will receive a £50 cash prize and have their name engraved on a special trophy commemorating their achievement.

Last year’s competition was won by Linus Barnes from Cutteslowe Primary School, who impressed judges with a story inspired by an object in the Anglo Saxon Gallery.

Reflecting on his experience, Linus said: “I decided to take part in the competition because I thought it would be fun and challenging writing a story based around an object in the museum, and because I wanted to win the prize money. I really enjoyed the awards event, and I was amazed when I won first prize. I was really proud of myself!

“This has made me want to write other stories and enter more competitions. I love creative writing because you can invent characters, worlds and adventures and play with interesting words and ideas. If you want to become a better writer or be an author when you grow up, these competitions help you to improve.”

Entry forms can be collected from the museum, or requested through the contact form on the museum’s website. Submissions for must be received by 9am on Friday 12 June 2026.

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Visitors are invited to explore the dazzling spectrum of nature as a new photography exhibition opens at The Oxfordshire Museum, offering an inspiring and eye‑opening journey into how and why animals use colour to survive, communicate and thrive.

Brought to the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum by touring exhibition specialists Blue Tokay, Wild Colour highlights stunning photography that captures nature at its most vivid and diverse.

It is now on display until 15 March at the Woodstock museum. Entry is free.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience the extraordinary ways in which animals use colour to survive and communicate. Wild Colour celebrates both the wonder of the natural world and the creativity of the specialists who have brought these images to life.”

The striking exhibition uses photographic imagery to explore the essential role that colour plays in the natural world. From the bold blue feathers of the hyacinth macaw to the shimmering iridescence of a jewel beetle, the collection unpacks the science, beauty and purpose behind some of the most remarkable colouration in the animal kingdom.

Covering themes such as the influence of red, yellow and green pigmentation on animal behaviour and communication, the exhibition also delves into how patterns and shifting hues benefit species in their environments.

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum.

Find out what events, exhibitions and more are on at the museum by visiting its website.

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Artists are invited to get creative and share what ‘celebration’ means to them as part of the Oxfordshire Museum’s 2026 Open Art Competition, marking a milestone year for the Oxfordshire County Council run attraction.

Now entering its fourth year, the competition has already delivered three memorable exhibitions that have highlighted the breadth and quality of Oxfordshire’s artistic talent. In 2026, artists are encouraged to reflect on what celebration means to them - whether that’s a treasured personal milestone or a moment of communal joy.

The competition opens to entries on 1 February, with shortlisted works going on display at a special exhibition at the museum between 19 September and 11 October.

Councillor Cllr Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “For some, celebrations are deeply personal – a birthday, passing an exam, a family reunion. For others, they’re shared: communities coming together to mark moments of joy.

“Our chosen theme, celebration, is inspired by a special milestone for us too, as The Oxfordshire Museum turns 60 this October. We can’t wait to see the many ways people choose to express their own celebrations.”

All forms of media are welcome, including painting, textiles, mixed media, photography and digital. To be eligible the artwork must have been created after the artist’s eleventh birthday, and the artist must be an Oxfordshire resident.

Winners will be selected by a panel of special guest judges and announced at a special preview event ahead of the public opening of the exhibition.

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An early medieval treasure hoard is now in the hands of Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service to go on display following a successful fundraising campaign by residents in Stoke Row.

Dating back to the mid seventh to eight centuries, the hoard contains 21 complete and fragmentary silver pennies known as sceattas. It was discovered by a metal detector user back in 2018.

Upon its discovery Curator of Archaeology at the Oxfordshire Museum service, Angie Bolton, approached the local parish council with the idea of a community fundraiser.

Parish Councillor, Roger Clayson, who was heavily involved in the efforts, explained: “The museum service had expressed an interest to acquire the hoard through the Treasure Act and needed to raise hoard at £1,300, which is what it had been valued at.

“When the parish council was contacted about the find, and the funding shortfall, our clerk Gary Wilson got straight on it, publishing the news on our website and Facebook page to encourage people to get involved and donate. In tandem with that, I got my address book to work, contacting major village businesses.”

The campaign also benefited from the support of the Nettlebed Estate and a number of popular local businesses who, along with councillors and residents, embraced the challenge.

Roger, who has lived in Stoke Row for more than 30 years, continued: “Six businesses replied to our emails, including one very popular one, who is always getting great social media reconnection. The Nettlebed Estate committed to the majority funding, with our parishioners also responding to the Facebook posts.

“Stoke Row always responds to a call to action, when it’s for the benefit of our village, raising money for disadvantaged residents, restoring village assets, or in this case keeping a medieval coin find in Oxfordshire.”

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These treasures are particularly special as they’re the very first hoard of sceattas in the museum’s collection. The size of the hoard, and the date, make it one of national and regional importance too.

“We’d like to thank the individual donors, businesses and Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum who supported this fundraising campaign to bring this magnificent hoard into public ownership for all to enjoy.

“Without their support we may not have been successful in our fundraising endeavours. The help and support of Stoke Row Parish Councillors is also very much valued and appreciated.”

 The collection will go on display later in 2026 following conservation works.

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Two of Oxfordshire’s museums are offering an opportunity for four young people to take over some of the roles in the museum.

Kids in Museums Takeover Day is a national initiative where museums, galleries, historic homes, archives, and heritage sites invite young people to take part in behind the scenes experiences.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Museum, and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock, will both be taking part in the event on Friday 21 November.

Jemma Davey, Oxfordshire County Council’s Museum Service Manager, said: "This is our first year taking part in Kids in Museums Takeover Day.

“We are committed to giving young people opportunities to gain new skills and learn more about how the heritage sector can offer a career option for the next generation. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum on this."

The young people who are selected will be able to get behind the scenes at the museums, experience a day in the life of a professional and learn a variety of skills

The roles on offer at the museums are social media assistant and front of house assistant.

Since Kids in Museums Takeover Day began in 2010, more than 40,000 children and young people have taken part nationally. Run by the organisation, Kids in Museums, it was established to help historic institutions empower young people and give them meaningful roles in their organisations.

Ursula Corcoran, Director of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum, said: “We are really looking forward to raising the profile of young people in heritage through this year's Takeover Day. Ultimately, we want more young people to get involved with all our activities and become lifelong supporters of museums throughout the country.

"It will be a perfect opportunity to hear directly from young people about our museum and listen to their thoughts about the galleries as they spend the day immersed in the daily life of a small independent museum.”

To find out more about the roles, email handsonheritage@oxfordshire.org.uk and mark for the attention of Laura Dean. Deadline for expressions of interest is Sunday 2 November. The roles are open to anyone up to the age of 25 from across Oxfordshire. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

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The theme of this year’s Open Art competition is animals and the responses from artists has been just as varied as the beings depicted, with more entries from younger artists than even ever before.

Over 100 submissions were received, with the 55 shortlisted on display in the Garden Gallery and Brewhouse at the Oxfordshire County Council run museum. The exhibition is free to enter, and donations are welcomed.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Residents of all ages have contributed a piece to our exhibition. The result is a diverse collection of artwork that depicts many different varieties of animals. Various mediums are used from textiles to ink, and sculpture to photography. All are to be found in this exhibition that explores the many representations of people.

“I would really encourage people to drop by before 2 November to have a look for themselves and vote for their favourite.”

There are sculptures, textiles and photography all on show in this exhibition, which also includes the opportunity for visitors to vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award.

Prizes have also been awarded for the three artworks that most effectively depicted the theme of animals.

First prize went to David Farrer for Shetland Ram. David’s artistic approach to sculpture is to create eco-friendly alternatives to the real thing – trophy hunting. He hopes his artworks carry this message with humour.

Second prize was awarded to Greg Whiteman for Eagle Owl. Greg’s art captures the essence of subjects with a depth that resonates both visually and emotionally.

The under 18 first prize was awarded to Elliot Tagzeghid for Juno. Elliot said: “I have always been passionate about art. From a young age I experimented with different materials starting with colouring crayons. I studied GCSE art and have gone on to do it at A level as well.

“I love cats, and my friends have lots of cats who I love. If I could tell a young person why they should continue or start art I would say the most important thing is to enjoy creating.

“Too many people these days are aiming for perfection, but young artists should just enjoy experimenting and creating.”

The museum service would like to acknowledge the prize sponsors – The Feathers Hotel, Cotswold Arts Through Schools and Blenheim Palace.

This year’s judges were local Councillor Andy Graham, author Charlotte Guillain and Head of Collections at Woodstock Art Gallery in Canada, Danielle Hoevenaars.

The museum team will be announcing next year’s theme early in the new year. Residents can sign-up to its e-newsletter to hear all the latest updates.  

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Time is running out to help Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum acquire an Iron Age hoard discovered by a metal detectorist near Henley five years ago.

The registered charity is around halfway towards raising the £10,500 needed to allow Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service to buy the hoard, which includes a stunning horse brooch that is more than 2,000 years old.

However, the fundraising campaign closes at noon on Monday 6 October, so donors are urged to visit the crowdfunder’s webpage as soon as possible.

Experts from the British Museum and the University of Oxford have added their support to the campaign, which was launched in July, by explaining the significance of the historic find.

Dr Sophia Adams, first millennium European and Roman conquest period collections curator for the British Museum, said: “This is an intriguing hoard of beguiling objects marking a personal and powerful moment of burial.

“The harness brooch is a magnificent example of a rare type of object that formed part of the harness for a pony pulling a chariot. It is unusual to find this buried with a dress brooch, a coin and the other items together in a pot.”

Emeritus Professor Gary Lock, from the University of Oxford’s School of Archaeology, said: “This is a very important collection of objects that throws light on life in the late Iron Age/early Roman periods in Oxfordshire.

“Each item is interesting in its own right but to be found together in this way gives them added significance and rarity, raising all sorts of questions about their original use and why they were buried in this way. This hoard needs to be displayed within the context of Oxfordshire’s past and a local museum is the best way of doing that.”

The hoard was discovered in the parish of Rotherfield Peppard in August 2020 and excavated by archaeologists.

The Iron Age of the British Isles started 800 years BC and it is believed that this hoard was buried in AD 50 to 150, shortly after the Roman invasion.

The hoard was found in a pottery urn, sealed by a quern stone. The contents of the urn included a stunning copper alloy Iron Age horse harness fitting, an enamelled patera handle, a brooch, one silver Roman coin and a lead weight.

Such a hoard is classified as treasure under the Treasure Act. As the county’s repository for archaeological finds, the county council’s museum service has the first chance to acquire it for Oxfordshire and ultimately save it from going into private hands.

Donors who give over £20 will also be invited to a special viewing of the hoard if the campaign is successful.

Donations made will be used only to support the acquisition and conservation of the hoard for the museum. People donating are urged to opt in for Gift Aid as this boosts the money received and will help reach the target more quickly.

Angie Bolton, curator of archaeology for the Oxfordshire museum service, said: “This Oxfordshire hoard, buried nearly 2,000 years ago, really belongs to all of Oxfordshire residents. Getting the hoard into the Oxfordshire museum service archaeology collection will enable all residents of Oxfordshire to come see it, enjoy it and be inspired by it for the next 2,000 years.

“If you can chip in and support us, no matter how small your donation, we will care for it on your behalf.”

So far, 94 people have donated to the crowdfunder and others have donated using the museum donation boxes at the Oxfordshire Museum Resource Centre.

The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum is a registered charity that supports the Oxfordshire museum service through fundraising and financial support for special events, acquisitions and educational programmes.

The Oxfordshire museum service cares for, safeguards and makes accessible the heritage of the county. Its collections can be accessed through its displays, loans programme and digital catalogue and can be used for research.

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The registered charity is aiming to raise £10,500 for Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service to acquire the hoard, which includes a stunning horse brooch that is more than 2,000 years old.

This appeal represents the service’s first ever crowdfunder campaign.

The hoard was discovered in the parish of Rotherfield Peppard near Henley-on-Thames in August 2020 by a metal detector user and, with archaeologists, was then excavated.

Chairman of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, Edward Dowler, said: “Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum has a proud and long standing history of supporting the museum to acquire treasure. We are pleased to enable the museum team to take this exciting new step.

“We hope that the campaign will inspire the many people who want to see Oxfordshire treasures kept in the county, and displayed in its museum, to donate.”

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is an exceptional opportunity for our county council museum service to acquire a fascinating collection of objects that tells us so many stories about our iron age forebears from so long ago.

“I hope local people can help us in our quest to conserve these incredibly historic and valuable items for present and future generations of Oxfordshire people.”

The iron age of the British Isles started 800 years BC and it is believed that this hoard was buried in AD 50 to 150, shortly after the Roman invasion.

The hoard was found in a pottery urn, sealed by a quern stone. The contents of the urn included a stunning copper alloy and enamelled iron age horse brooch, an enamelled patera handle, a brooch, one silver roman coin and a lead weight.

Such a hoard is classified as treasure under the national Treasure Act. As the county’s repository for archaeological finds, the county council’s museum service has the first chance to acquire it for Oxfordshire and ultimately save it from going into private hands.

Donors who give over £20 will also be invited to a special viewing of the hoard with the council’s curator of archaeology if the campaign is successful.

Donations made will be used only to support the acquisition and conservation of the hoard for the museum. People donating are urged to opt in for Gift Aid as this boosts the money received and will help reach the target more quickly.

The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum is a registered charity that supports The Oxfordshire Museum through fundraising and financial support for special events, acquisitions and educational programmes.

The Oxfordshire Museum cares for, safeguards and makes accessible the heritage of the county. Its collections can be accessed through its displays, loans programme and digital catalogue and can be used for research.

Learn more about the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum and the benefits of becoming a friend by visiting the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

More information and donations can be made by visiting the dedicated crowdfunder’s webpage.

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Opening Saturday 21 June, Ice Age: Mammoth Quest at the Oxfordshire County Council run museum invites visitors on an immersive quest through the Ice Age. Experience the highs and lows of the dramatic climate swings and dress up as animals from the era or even play scientist in the museum’s archaeology science lab.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Deputy Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, with responsibility for resources, said: “There’s no better way to cool off this summer than to come to the Oxfordshire Museum and experience the Ice Age!

“This new exhibition, which runs all summer long, features some truly fascinating objects from hundreds of thousands of years ago – including remains from the last known mammoth in Europe, as well as lots of exciting activities and events for people of all ages throughout the season.

“This is just one of so many events we have on at the museum. With entry free, it makes a great day out for everyone.”

The exhibition closes on 31 August.

A range of activities and events relating to the exhibition will also be taking place, including an evening talk by Manse Ahmad from the award winning Channel 4 documentary 'Surviving the Stone Age' and axe making for children.

The exhibition is also introducing to the museum family, mascot explorers Idris, Martha and their canine buddy Herbie! Little explorers can follow the intrepid group to solve some of the mysteries of the Ice Age and discover our own Mammoth.

Find out what’s on throughout the summer months by visiting the museum’s website.

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The Oxfordshire County Council run museum will be hosting three ticketed events in the beautiful gardens.

Danny George Wilson from the heartland rock and soul band, Danny and the Champion of the World, will be playing his only summer gig in the county on 27 June. This will be the first ever musical performance at the museum.

Meanwhile 440 Theatre will be back, by popular demand, to perform its entertaining medley of Macbeth and Much Ado About Nothing on 25 July, while family-friendly theatre group Fabularium will be performing Reynard the Fox later in the season (22 August).

Mark McCree, Oxfordshire County Council’s Head of Libraries and Heritage, said: “Our Oxfordshire Museum has so much to offer to people of all ages. We’re particularly excited to be hosting three brilliant events in the scenic garden. From theatre to music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, and we’d encourage everyone to buy their tickets as soon as possible to avoid missing out!

“Of course, entrance to the museum is free, and there will also be a wealth of free activities for children throughout the summer, plus delicious cakes, so a trip to the museum is a great day out for everyone.”

Age restrictions apply to some of the garden events and tickets are limited. For more information on these and other events at the museum, and to book tickets, please visit the museum’s website.

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The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum’s new contest is seeking imaginative stories of up to 500 words, inspired by an object currently on display at the Oxfordshire County Council operated museum.

It is open to everyone aged between seven and 11 years old within a 10 mile radius of the museum in Woodstock.  

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “There’s an array of pieces on display spanning the centuries. This is an opportunity to think creatively about the objects and the stories behind them – it’s time to let imaginations run wild.

“There’s only one way to get involved though, and that’s to come to the museum and see what’s on offer.”

The deadline for submission is 9am on 23 May. Application forms can be collected and entries submitted in person at the museum or by email.

Edward Dowler, Chair of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum, said: “The Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum have a mission to encourage young people to visit with a sense of wonder. The exhibits are not just ‘old stuff’ – each one contains fragments of people’s lives from the past.”

Shortlisted entries will be judged by Dr Hagan Bayley, owner of Woodstock Bookshop and patron of the friends, and local artist Jane Tomlinson.

The winner will receive a cash prize of £50, with their name engraved on the trophy. Awards will be given at a celebratory event on 11 July.

There is also more information available about artifacts on display, and much more, on the council’s online Heritage Search tool.

Find out more about what’s on the Oxfordshire Museum by visiting the museum’s website.

The Friends of Oxfordshire Museum charity was founded by volunteers back in 1992 to provide support to the museum. Learn more about the charity by visiting its website.

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This unique exhibition presents, for the first time, the works and life of the Oxford sculptor, and celebrates his enduring legacy and artistic contribution.

It will be on display at the Oxfordshire County Council run museum in Woodstock from 15 March to 1 June. Entrance is free and donations are welcomed.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “Michael Black was a talented sculptor who received notable public commissions, exhibited artwork at prestigious galleries, and restored the stonework of churches, colleges and other buildings across Oxford.

“This exhibition is a rare opportunity to discover this important artist’s legacy. Through loans and archival material from Black’s family we are treated to an intimate insight into the artist’s life.

“Discover the variety of Michael Black’s work from the iconic Emperor’s Heads of the Sheldonian Theatre to the abstract forms which filled his home in Chalfont Road.

“Of course, there’s so much to enjoy – make a day of it! You can enjoy a homemade lunch and cakes in our café and relax in the peaceful setting of the garden. Explore the permanent galleries within, or extend your experience with a visit to the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum”

For the first time, the museum garden will also feature artworks by Michael Black, including an artichoke shaped fountain, which once served wine.

Other must see elements include a life sized plaster model of an Ox, which formed the centre piece of Black’s own unique version of the Oxford May Day celebrations, which will also be celebrated with a demonstration by the Eynsham Morris Men on 24 May.

The exhibition also features three short films commissioned especially using archival films of the artist at home and work.

A full list of programmes and events is available on the museum’s website.

The Michael Black archive is also accessible at the Oxfordshire History Centre, the Museum Resource Centre by appointment, or online at the council’s Heritage Search website.

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Now in its third year, the Oxfordshire County Council-run competition seeks to highlight the county’s finest creative minds, with this year’s theme being animals.

It is free to enter and is open to anybody living in Oxfordshire aged 11 and over.

This year also sees the introduction of a young artist’s award for the first time for residents aged 11 to 18.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: We know that Oxfordshire is full of creativity, and we want to show it off. This competition is an opportunity for everybody and anybody to share their talents.

“Animals are all around us in Oxfordshire at home, at work and in the wild, and the face of our animal companions is ever changing.

“We hope this year’s theme will provide inspiration for a range of responses and produce another moving and enjoyable exhibition showcasing our resident’s talents.”

The museum is particularly keen to encourage three dimensional entries, including sculptures, to the competition this year.

Submissions can be made online from 1 February. More details on how to enter will be made available on the Oxfordshire Museum’s website. Entries cannot be accepted from those living outside of the county.

Prizes will be judged by a panel of special guest judges, and the winners will be announced at a special preview party.

An exhibition displaying the shortlisted entries and winners will be open to the public at the museum from 27 September until 2 November.

Pictures show some of the previous winners of the competition

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Following an incredibly successful run two years ago, Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Museum is once again hosting the Bird Photographer of the Year exhibition from 11 January.

The exhibition, displaying submissions from the 2024 competition, is touring the UK and will be at the museum until 23 February. This is its only appearance in Oxfordshire.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We are thrilled to be hosting this nationally acclaimed exhibition at our museum in Woodstock.

“Thousands of images were submitted to the competition, which is the largest bird photography competition in the world. These spectacular, often poignant images reveal stories from around the world. There’s something to appeal to everyone.

"We are also grateful for the financial support provided by the Friends of Oxfordshire Museum in hosting the exhibition."

During the February half-term, there will be bird inspired activities for all the family to take part in and enjoy.

Photographers from all over the world entered more than 23,000 images into the 2024 competition, across eight different categories, each with their eyes on the £3,500 grand prize.

Photographer Patricia Homonylo from Canada was declared the Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 for her thought provoking image ‘When Worlds Collide’. The photograph shows over 4,000 birds killed by colliding with windows and other reflective surfaces in urban areas in Toronto.

The Young Bird Photographer of the Year 2024 was awarded to 14 year old Spanish photographer Andrés Luis Domínguez Blanco for his creative angle on a nuthatch scrambling down an oak tree.

Last year, the competition donated £5,000 to partner charity Birds on the Brink, which provides vital funding to grassroots bird conservation projects around the world.

The 2025 competition is now open for entries at birdpoty.com and photographers of all experience levels are invited to submit their best bird photos. During February half-term, there will be bird inspired activities for all the family to take part in and enjoy. Items related to the exhibition are available for purchase in the museum shop.

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This year, 69 submissions were received, with the 49 that have been shortlisted on display in the Garden Gallery at the Oxfordshire County Council run Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock.

The exhibition included prizes for artworks that most effectively depicted the theme of people. First and second prizes were awarded by the two guest judges, Woodstock Councillor Andy Graham, Danielle Hoevenaars, Head of Collections and Registrar at Woodstock Art Gallery in Canada, and artist, Tiffany Black.

There is also an award category “People’s choice” which allows visitors to vote for their own personal favourite.

Jemma Davey, Museum Service Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Residents of all ages have contributed a piece to our exhibition.

“The result is a diverse collection of pieces that depict human beings from all different walks of life. Many different mediums are used from textiles to ink, and sculpture to photography. All are to be found in this exhibition that explores the many representations of people.

“It was also great to involve the Head of Collections from our namesake Woodstock Art Gallery in Canada in the judging!

“I would really encourage people to drop by before 30 October to have a look for themselves and vote for their own favourite. 

First prize was won by Peter Ross with his entry “Emma Groves, Belfast 1978”, which focuses on a victim of the troubles in Northern Ireland.

Peter said: “I was surprised and delighted to have won a prize in the Oxfordshire Open Art Exhibition at the Museum in Woodstock. Especially as there were so many other interesting works with such a variety of ideas and approaches. Thank you very much to the judges”

Danielle Hoevenaars, Guest Judge and Head of Collections and Registrar at Woodstock Art Gallery said: “Thank you to Oxfordshire Museum and to the exhibition organizers for inviting me to be a juror for the Open Art Competition.

“As a new member of the team at the Woodstock Art Gallery in Woodstock Canada, it has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate and build upon the budding relationship between our two Woodstock’s. It has been a delight to experience the creativity of a talented roster of Oxfordshire artists and to hear the unique perspectives of my fellow jurors, in what were very engaging and enjoyable discussions.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to the award winners and to all participating artists. Every applicant has inspired me through their creativity and their generosity in sharing their work. Thank you for all you do as artists, to share your art, your passion, and your perspective with your community.”

Joint second prizes went to Princess Green with the inspirational “Bolingo”, a self-portrait of an African-British woman, and Liesa Gutgart with the piece “Concentration”.

Find out more and what’s on throughout the year by visiting The Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

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The Oxfordshire County Council-operated museum store has installed two new kinds of museum racking – improving the storage facility.

The new racking makes better use of the available space and allows for the archaeological collections be accessed more easily.

These archives include pottery dating from the Bronze Age through to the Tudor periods, ancient animal bone, which researchers study to reveal their stories, and even the stonework from buildings.

Councillor Liz Leffman, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council said: “The Oxfordshire Museum service has wonderful collections, and the county has particularly rich archaeology.

“The collection covers 200,000 years of archaeology in the county, and includes stories of Vikings in Oxfordshire, Roman coin hoards and Tudor dress accessories. Nearly every parish has some archaeology in our collection.

“We have improved the management, care and access of the objects that are stored here. If visitors want to examine an object more closely, they can now access it easily in our conservation studio for research or just appreciation.”

Anyone can access the county’s collections from the comfort of their own homes using Oxfordshire heritage search, the council’s online portal to collections. The museum service welcomes all enquirers and researchers wanting to view or study collections in person at the council’s store in Standlake.

For a true glimpse behind the scenes, the service also offers tours as well as workshops and private talks for groups. For more information visit the service’s website or email oxfordshire.museum@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

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The performance, coming to the Woodstock museum on 19 July, sees both plays performed by four actors in around 40 minutes each – resulting in a hilariously speedy tour of two of Shakespeare’s finest pieces.

Jemma Davey, Museum Service Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We’re happy to be opening up the beautiful gardens at the museum for a performance by 440 Theatre for the first time. It’s sure to be a magical evening watching a unique performance of two legendary pieces of theatre.

“This is just one of so many exciting events we have on this summer at the museum. Fletchers House, which hosts the museum, was built in 1613, so you can watch these fantastic plays with a genuine Jacobean building from the time of Shakespeare in the background. I’ve already got my tickets booked!”

Doors open at 6.30pm, with the show starting at 7pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own low-backed chairs and blankets.

Picnics are also welcome, but refreshments can be purchased at the museum café and delicious picnic boxes prepared by their café team are available for pre-order using the event website. No dogs are permitted, except assistance dogs.

Should it rain, umbrellas are not encouraged to avoid ruining the experience for others. Instead, people should bring raincoats and macs.

For more information including how to purchase a ticket, visit the Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

About 440 Theatre

440 Theatre are four professional actors delivering an exciting, engaging and energetic performance in 40 minutes. They perform Shakespeare double bills in a quintessentially British style of comedy – pantomime meets theatre in the park!

In 2021, 440 received Arts Council England support to help develop its production of Macbeth, which toured nationally. 440 has grown to not only tour hilarious outdoor Shakespeare double bills but create and produce children's theatre in the form of its original piece The Hogmoor Troll.

440 is the first ever Associate Company of The Phoenix Theatre & Arts Centre. Together, they are developing original work in their communities and nationally.

Find out more about the theatre group by visiting its website.

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This exhibition, Quentin Blake: Book Covers, which opens on Saturday 29 June, features 60 such covers from the 1960s to the present, from mid-century Penguin paperbacks to finely crafted special editions and family-friendly poetry books.

First editions are shown alongside reproductions of original artwork from Blake’s archive that show how he combines typography, dynamic layouts and his unique way of drawing to create playful designs.

Jemma Davey, Museum Service Manager at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Quentin Blake’s illustrations are loved and appreciated across the generations. Almost everyone will recall a book from their childhood they cherished that was illustrated by Blake.

“I’m absolutely delighted we’ve been able to welcome the Quentin Blake: Book Covers touring exhibition to Oxfordshire this summer. This fabulous exhibition recalls his unique work and its diversity throughout the years, from his early work in the 1960s to his own books decades later.

“We are looking forward to giving visitors of all ages the chance to rediscover his work, and learn more about how Blake brings his magical pieces to life”

Quentin Blake: Book Covers is a touring exhibition from Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration. People can enjoy it for free at Oxfordshire Museum until 8 September.

For more information about exhibitions, workshops and events at the Oxfordshire Museum, visit the museum’s website.

About Quentin Blake

Born in the suburbs of London in 1932, Blake first had his drawings published in Punch magazine when he was 16 years old and still at school.

He was head of the Royal College of Art's illustration department for more than 20 years and was later appointed the first ever Children's Laureate, a role which saw him promote children's literature.

Blake received a knighthood in 2013 for ‘services to illustration’.

About the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration

Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is the UK’s first and only charity dedicated to championing illustration: art that communicates a story, message or idea. Through exhibitions and creative projects, the Centre celebrates illustration in all its forms, supports illustrators and empowers people of all ages to share their stories.

The charity was founded in 2002 by Quentin Blake, one of the UK’s best-loved illustrators. As ‘House of Illustration’ it successfully operated a gallery, toured exhibitions and developed new ways of working with schools and community projects, working from rented accommodation in Kings Cross from 2014 – 2020.

It has now acquired a heritage site called New River Head in Clerkenwell, London to become its permanent home. A project led by Tim Ronalds Architects will restore and repurpose New River Head to offer galleries, learning spaces, public gardens, a shop and café. While the project is in development, Quentin Blake Centre continues to connect people with illustration through residencies, online events, collaborations with schools and the local community, as well as touring exhibitions across the UK.

Follow @qbcentre on Instagram, X and LinkedIn and @QuentinBlakeCentre on Facebook.

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Oxfordshire County Council’s Oxfordshire Museum and SOFO have committed to continue their work together to improve the shared Woodstock-based site for the benefit of communities locally and other Oxfordshire, UK and overseas visitors.

In a new joint ambition statement, they have also vowed to explore opportunities to develop and improve what is on offer. The aim is to deliver a more distinctive, rich and attractive visitor experience that encourages more diverse audiences, longer stays, and repeat visits.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating ten years of the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum at the Oxfordshire Museum.

“Our continued collaboration signifies a united effort to prioritise Woodstock communities and the visitor experience. We look forward to seeing what the future will bring, and the continued improvements that will contribute to a vibrant and memorable destination for everyone.”

While working together to improve services, both museums will remain distinct entities.

David Shouesmith, Chair of Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum Trustees, said: “As the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum marks its tenth anniversary it is essential, we work closely with the Oxfordshire Museum to jointly present a compelling heritage experience for all visitors.

“We very much look forward to a future of close collaboration with the Oxfordshire Museum and the county heritage team as we develop our stories of how the people in our county have experienced, directly and indirectly, conflict over the years.”

Find out what’s on at the Oxfordshire Museum throughout the year by visiting the museum’s website.

About the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

SOFO Museum first opened during the summer of 2014 in the grounds of The Oxfordshire Museum and Woodstock Library near to Blenheim Palace.

A local military history museum, it tell stories of how conflict has affected the county and its people, from soldiers serving on the front lines to ordinary people living on the Home Front.

Since opening, the museum has hosted a wide range of exhibitions and has worked with national and international partners to bring to life military stories that capture the imagination.

Find out more about, including upcoming events and exhibitions, by visiting the museum's website. 

Joint Ambition Statement

“The Oxfordshire Museum and SOFO commit to working proactively together, through the management structure set out in the SOFO lease agreement, to optimise the shared Park Street site and the associated operations of both museums, for the benefit of the Woodstock community and other Oxfordshire, UK and overseas visitors.

“We will explore opportunities, via the management group, to develop our offers and operations with a shared ambitious aim to deliver a distinctive, rich and attractive visitor experience that encourages more diverse audiences, longer stays, and repeat visits.

“Each organisation will maintain its own distinctiveness, in terms of strategic priorities, collections, and telling its own stories, whilst together seeking a shared and enhanced customer focus.”

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The display features over 20 much loved Oxfordshire teddy bears from families across the county and beyond.

It forms part of a wider exhibition titled ‘Archie and the Poet’, which focuses on the poet-laureate John Betjeman and his lifelong companion teddy bear, Archibald Ormsby-Gore (also known as Archie) now 114 years old, and Jumbo the elephant, aged 92.

The exhibition explores how former Uffington resident Betjeman used Archie as an alter-ego, using original material and audiovisual content. It will also explore the archaeology of Archie and his intriguing history of repairs and changes.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “In celebration of the Archie and the Poet exhibition, on loan from the Tom Brown’s School Museum in Uffington, we thought it would be a lovely opportunity for residents to tell the stories of their own teddy bears.

“My own teddy bear is Australian, a gift from my grandparents when I was born, who were holidaying in Australia at the time. He's been my companion ever since. I look forward to hearing about other people's teddies too."

These special bears also include one owned by a little girl, Kayleigh Harper, who at the time was the youngest child in the UK to receive a heart transplant aged only seven months.

There are fun family activities alongside the exhibition and a gallery dedicated to play including sensory objects and creative writing. Those looking for some teddy-inspired fun and learning during February half-term should definitely pay a visit to the museum. 

Residents can view the exhibition at the Garden Gallery, a purpose-built exhibition space at the Oxfordshire Museum, between 13 January and 25 February 2024.

Archie and the Poet is hosted at the Oxfordshire Museum in partnership with Tom Brown’s School Museum.

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The Oxfordshire Museum Service is keen to hear from residents as part of a new survey to improve accessibility and ensure everyone can enjoy the museum and its collections. It especially wants to hear from people with a disability or impairment,

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock is a brilliant day out for the whole family and is free of charge. There’s always new and exciting exhibitions, and events throughout the year for people of all ages to enjoy.

"As well as by working closely with disabled residents and disabled people’s organisations, we hope that this survey will allow us to have a full view on how we can best improve the service we provide to ensure that we are doing everything we can to allow every family member to have a great experience.”

The survey can be accessed by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s Let’s Talk platform or by completing a physical copy at the museum. Residents have until 29 February to have their say.

Anybody who completes the survey can enjoy a 10% discount off hot drinks in the museum café. This can be redeemed by speaking to a member of the reception team upon arrival at the museum.

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People of all ages are welcome to come together and join in the fun and festivities this Christmas at the Oxfordshire Museum.

This year’s theme at the Oxfordshire County Council-run museum is all things dinosaurs.

A range of activities and events are being held throughout the festive period for people of all ages, including the annual Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s Christmas Exhibition, a festive I-Spy trail – the 12 dinosaurs of Christmas, dinosaur themed arts and crafts, wreath making and much more.

The Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s Christmas Exhibition displays some of the best art and craftwork by leading craft makers and designers from across the county and runs until 30 December.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “The Oxfordshire Museum always has a brilliant selection of fun activities and events for everyone to enjoy over the festive period. This year’s dinosaur themed Christmas is sure to be a hit with families, and there’s plenty for people of all ages to enjoy.

“The Craft Guild is always a popular annual event too, and the perfect chance to pick up some gifts for someone while supporting a local craftsperson.”

Entry to the museum is free. The café will also be getting into the festive spirit, serving homemade Christmas biscuits, seasonal soups, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Find out more about what’s on at the museum, including how to book a space onto the wreath making workshop by visiting the museum’s website.

More information

Oxfordshire Museum Christmas opening hours

• 22, 23 December: 10am to 5pm
• 24, 25, 26 December: CLOSED
• 27, 28, 29, 30 December: 10am to 5pm
• 31 December and 1 January: CLOSED

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The display will be featured in an exhibition titled ‘Archie and the Poet’, which focuses on the poet-laureate John Betjeman and his lifelong companion teddy bear, Archibald Ormsby-Gore (also known as Archie), and Jumbo the elephant.

The exhibition will delve into the use of Archie as an alter-ego by former Uffington resident Betjeman, using original material and audiovisual content. It will also look at the archaeology of Archie and his fascinating history of repairs and change.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Corporate Services, said: “In celebration of the Archie and the Poet exhibition, which will be on loan from the Tom Brown’s School Museum in Uffington, the museum is looking to tell the tales of teddies that were born or lived most of their lives here in Oxfordshire.

“It’s an opportunity to tell the story of your much-loved teddies. My own teddy is Australian, as my grandparents were on holiday there when they heard that I had been born. He's been my companion ever since. I look forward to hearing about other people's teddies too."

People have until 28 November to enter their own teddy for the exhibition and bears must be received by 4 December. They will be displayed in the Garden Gallery, a purpose-built exhibition space, between 13 January and 25 February 2024.

To enter a teddy bear, residents should email oxfordshire.museum@oxfordshire.gov.uk to request a submission form.

People can find out what’s on at the Oxfordshire Museum throughout the year by visiting the museum’s website.

Archie and the Poet is hosted at the Oxfordshire Museum in partnership with Tom Brown’s School Museum.

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The Oxfordshire County Council run museum will run the exhibition until Sunday 5 November. It features a collection of moments and scenes captured across Oxfordshire, the UK, the world and even space.

Typewriters and fairies, science and technology, are all found in this fascinating exhibition that explores the concept of discovery through the creativity of artists.

As part of the exhibition, a competition took place to find artworks that best addressed the theme of discovery. First and second prizes were awarded by one of the two guest judges, Councillor Kate Gregory, at an event on 16 September.

The first prize went to Hannah Farncombe for her portrait ‘Louis’, and the second prize to Jane Smith for her piece ‘Wonders of Woodstock’.

Councillor Kate Gregory, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “It was a privilege to judge the competition for this new and exciting community exhibition. It is a unique idea and does a wonderful job of showcasing Oxfordshire and beyond through the eyes of the county’s residents, while also giving people an opportunity to show off their talents. Congratulations to our two winners.

“Entry to the museum is free, and there’s always something for everyone, from fun activities for younger visitors, galleries to explore to a relaxing garden and café to unwind in. A great day out for all.”

Free art-based activities will be on offer, including creating a community mural and a free drop-in ‘cut, collage and draw’ art session aimed at adults on Saturday 21 October. From 1 November, there will also be a paid for series of discover printmaking workshops.

Find out more and what’s on throughout the year by visiting The Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

Photographs:

• First prize winner Hannah Farcombe receiving her award from Councillor Gregory.
•  First prize winning portrait ‘Louis’.
• Second prize winner Jane Smith receiving her award from Councillor Gregory.
• Second prize winning portrait ‘Wonders of Woodstock’.

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There are a range of fun and free activities during the Easter holidays for young children to enjoy, as well as a new exhibition, Making an Entrance, that seeks to showcase some of the best museum acquisitions from over the past decade.

From 3 April, visitors will also soon be able to unwind in a new dog-friendly seating area in the scenic courtyard as part of an extension to the existing café. The project, funded with a grant from the South East Museum Development on behalf of Arts England, has also allowed for the purchase of plants and new pots to allow garden volunteers to grow produce for the café and help the museum reduce food waste.

Mark Haynes, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Customer and Cultural Services, said: “Our Oxfordshire Museum has so much to offer to people of all ages, and there’s even more coming with an exciting new exhibition this April.

“Entrance to the museum is free, as are activities for children during the Easter holidays, so a trip to the Oxfordshire Museum is a great day out for everyone. You can also now enjoy one of the museum’s delicious homemade cakes in the grounds with a furry friend.”

From 1 April, the new ‘Making an Entrance: unseen treasures’ exhibition will be showcasing the very best of the museum's acquisitions to the collection from the last decade. Many of the objects will never have been on public display before.

It is a chance to see the breadth and depth of the county’s collection and learn more about what, how and why we collect objects.

Families with young children can also make the most of fun family activities over the Easter Holiday, free and with no booking required:

Tuesday 4 April
Colour, Craft and Make: Creative activities aimed at the under-fives.
10.30 am - 12.00 noon

Rhymetime: Come and enjoy some rhymes and songs
12 noon - 12.30pm

Down the Rabbit Hole: Make a fun wooden spoon rabbit character and have a look at the dress Alice wore
2pm - 4pm

Wednesday 5 April
Sow and Grow: Plant vegetable seeds in a decorated plant pot. Just keep them away from rabbits!
10.30pm – 12.30pm

Thursday 6 April
Storytelling: Our weekly library storytelling, but this week bursting with bunnies.
11.15am – 11.45am

Origami Flowers: Make your own garden of freshly folded flowers - suitable for beginners and experienced crafters.
12noon – 1.00pm

Peter Rabbit’s Easter Garden: Using paper and card make a colourful garden for Peter Rabbit.
2.00pm – 4.00pm

Tuesday 11 April
Colour, Craft and Make: Creative activities aimed at the under-fives.
10.30am – 12.00noon

Cycle of Life: Explore the life stages of butterflies and make something fun to take away.
2.00pm – 4.00pm

Rhymetime: Come and enjoy some rhymes and songs
12.00 – 12.30pm

Wednesday 12 April
Bug Hotel: Check-in and help construct a bug hotel in the museum garden. Make a mini bug house to take home.
10.30am – 12.30pm

Thursday 13 April
Storytelling: Our weekly library storytelling, but with an interesting insect theme
11.15am – 11.45am

Incredible Insects: Let your imagination run wild. Use a variety of materials to make a species of insect.
2.00pm to 4.00pm

A full list of events is available on Oxfordshire Museum’s website.

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A range of activities and events are being held throughout the festive period for all ages, including family fun with the Twelve Days of Christmas i-spy trail, seasonal storytime sessions, and Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s Winter Exhibition.

The Oxfordshire County Council-run museum is also hosting its first festive late-night event on 8 December. It features a performance from the Bicester Rock Choir in the illuminated garden, free crafting activities and a special 10 per cent discount in the museum gift shop for one night only.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “The Oxfordshire Museum always has a brilliant selection of fun activities and events for everyone to enjoy over the festive period. The team is really pleased to announce that the museum is hosting its first late-night Christmas event, which I hope will allow more people to make the most of what is on offer.

“The Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s Winter Exhibition is always a firm favourite and a chance to pick up some gifts for someone while supporting a local craftsperson.”

All activities and entry are free. The café will also be serving homemade Christmas biscuits, seasonal soups, hot chocolate and mulled wine.

Find out what’s on this winter by visiting the museum’s website.

More information

Oxfordshire Museum Christmas opening hours

• 8 December 10am to 8.30pm
• 23 December: 10am to 5pm
• 24 December: 10am to 3pm
• 25, 26, 27 December: CLOSED
• 28, 29, 30 December: 10am to 5pm
• 31 December: 10am to 3pm
• 1, 2 January: CLOSED

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The Lowbury man is currently at the Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock but will soon come off display for six weeks as a research team seeks to learn more about him

The work will include DNA and radiocarbon testing to confirm his sex, when he lived, and his ancestry.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “I’m excited to find out what more we can learn from the remains and what it may tell us about the Lowbury Hill site. It’s clear that the site was a beacon of activity for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, but up to now, we appear to know very little about the area. 

“I hope that our modern testing will discover more about who this man was and just why he ended up buried at Lowbury Hill near Goring”

He was discovered at what is believed to have been the site of a Roman-era enclosure and Anglo-Saxon burial mound.

Analysis so far suggests the man was a seventh-century warrior that lived in Cornwall or western Ireland before being buried on Lowbury Hill. His grave contained elaborate items, including a sword, shield, enameled spearhead, knife, shears, a bronze hanging bowl and a bone comb – all on display in the Oxfordshire Museum, Woodstock. 

His discovery within a burial mound on Lowbury Hill and the items he was buried with indicate he was a high-status individual from the early medieval (Anglo-Saxon) time period, with some suggesting he may have been a warlord.

He was also discovered alongside a woman. She is believed to have been about 40 years old Her remains have been radio-carbon dated to about 550 to 650 AD. Unfortunately, she was buried without grave items, and very little is known about her.

Both individuals are being studied by student Summer Courts as part of her PhD research at the University of Reading. The research is being supervised by Prof. Amy Smith (University of Reading) Dr Sophie Beckett (Cranfield University) and Angie Bolton (Oxfordshire Museum Service).

The DNA data and CT scans will also help to explore questions about their ancestry and what diseases they may have suffered from. By re-assessing these individuals, Summer hopes to understand their lived experience on a more personal level. It is hoped that we may discover whether or not the two individuals buried on Lowbury Hill were closely related.

The research has been funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council via its South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership. The DNA analysis will be undertaken in collaboration with Professor Stephan Schiffels at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology. All data produced during the research will be provided to the Oxfordshire Museum Service, and updated information regarding both individuals will be included in the display at the Oxfordshire Museum.

Oxfordshire Museums Service and Goring Library are running an exhibition and events until 24 November about the archaeological work at Lowbury Hill. For more information, visit the museum’s service’s  website.

As well as fun activities for younger visitors, there are also permanent galleries to explore and a temporary exhibition, Juxtaposition, offering a new perspective for those interested in history and creative arts. 

Visitors can also unwind during the long summer days in the peaceful garden and indulge themselves with homemade treats at the museum café.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Consumer Services, said: “There is a huge array of fun activities at our Oxfordshire Museum this summer, including dedicated children’s activities. Whatever your interests are, there is something for you! What’s more, the museum is free entry to all, so a great, low-cost day out for everyone.”

Children's activities at The Oxfordshire Museum

 There are free activities for younger visitors throughout the summer break as well as a new I-Spy Trail and a Crazy Trail for those who like more of a challenge.

 Activities are free of charge thanks to the support of the Friends of the Oxfordshire Museum.

Juxtaposition exhibition

 Showing at the museum until Sunday, 9 October, this exhibition brings together objects from the prestigious southern arts crafts contemporary collection to meet their historic counterparts.

 It features work by well-known artists such as Kate Malone, John Makepeace and Michael Brennand-Wood and past winners of the Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s Fletcher Prize.

 Find out what's on this summer at the Oxfordshire Museum at oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-museum

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The national award is the culmination of a nine-month application and validation process. The service was assessed on organisational health, collection management procedures, access arrangements and work with partners and stakeholders. 

The accreditation panel recognised the positive progress the service has made through its committed staff and commended its approach to partnership working.

 Mark McCree, Oxfordshire County Council’s Libraries & Heritage Services Manager, said of the award: “I am very proud of the team for regaining this quality standard. The National Archives has recognised the positive progress that the service has made in recent years. These are foundations, alongside the emerging libraries and heritage strategy, for us to build on. 

 “I hope this gives our customers and partner organisations renewed confidence that the rich and valued heritage of the county is in safe hands.”

 Oxfordshire History Centre, the county’s archive and local studies service, based at St Luke’s Church in Cowley, collects, preserves and makes available archives, photographs and printed material related to Oxfordshire and its history. 

 Accreditation by the UK Archive Service Accreditation Committee is the national quality standard, recognising good performance in all areas of archive service delivery. Accredited archive services help to ensure the long-term collection, preservation, and accessibility of archive heritage in Oxfordshire and nationally. 

 It is the second time Oxfordshire History Centre has received accreditation, having first been awarded it back in 2015.

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The Oxfordshire Craft Guild’s Christmas Exhibition showcases some of the best art and craftwork by leading craft makers and designers from across the county and runs until 23 December when it takes a short break, returning for two days after Christmas on 29 and 30 December.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Cultural Services said: “This annual event is always a firm favourite with visitors keen to pick up a special Christmas gift or simply take a look at some of the finest work by members of the guild. A wonderful opportunity to support some very talented local artists and craftspeople.

“There is a range of over 30 crafts on display with handcrafted gifts, all locally produced, including jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculptures, artwork and scarfs to name a few.

“There is plenty on this festive period over at the museum to enjoy, including a family Christmas trail and quiz. The shop is full of stocking fillers and the café will be serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, mince pies and gingerbread reindeer – so do try and go along and see for yourself.”

The Christmas craft exhibition is open every Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4.45pm, and on Sundays 2pm - 4.45pm until 23 December. The exhibition then reopens after Christmas on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 December, 10am – 4.45pm.

More information about the Oxfordshire Craft Guild can be found on its website ocg.co.uk Find out more about the Oxfordshire Museum by visiting Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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The seal, which is a unique survival from the 13^th century, was first discovered in the parish of Epwell, just a few miles west of Banbury, back in 2015.

It was purchased by the museums service for display in the county after a fundraising campaign.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety said: “It is wonderful news that we’ve been able to bring this historic artifact back to Oxfordshire.

“This seal is particularly notable for it’s superb quality and excellent condition. There’s much we don’t know yet about this seal, including who may have been the owner, and where they were from, but that is what makes the find all the more intriguing.

“This is a chance for local residents to see a piece of Oxfordshire history.”

A seal matrix was used to make an impression on a wax seal to validate a document or to seal it closed. The Epwell seal matrix is made of gold, with a dark green jasper setting, called an intaglio. The intaglio was believed to have been intricately engraved in either Paris or London and depicts the portrait, in profile, of an unknown female.

It hasn’t been possible to identify the owner of the seal, who could have been somebody simply passing through the area, but it is likely to have been a symbol of the wealth, status and power of its owner.

The seal was purchased by the Museums Service with support from the Headley Trust, V&A Purchase Grant Fund and the Friends of The Oxfordshire Museum.

Find out more about upcoming events and collections at the museum by going to the Oxfordshire County Council website.

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The touring exhibition, produced by Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, showcases work from makers of automata – moving mechanical figures or devices –across the UK. It includes hands on interactives, original artefacts, video footage, and free family holiday workshop programmes, trails and quizzes for everyone to enjoy.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety said: “It’s great to see exhibitions once more at the Oxfordshire Museum as we return to normality post-COVID. This exhibition, in particular, takes a really unique and fascinating look at the world of automata with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre and the tools used to create them. Exhibitions at the museum are free and would make a great day out for all the family. Take a look at our website for more information.”

The exhibition has been brought to Oxfordshire in collaboration with Cabaret Mechanical Theatre, a company that started making and displaying automata in 1979. Since then, over 10 million people have seen their exhibitions worldwide.

The Oxfordshire Museum is situated in an 18th century house in the heart of Woodstock. It has an extensive garden, purpose-built gallery hosting changing exhibitions and features displays of Oxfordshire's history, art, archaeology, landscape and wildlife, a dinosaur garden and a gallery.

Find out more about events at the Oxfordshire Museum on Oxfordshire County Council’s website.

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The skeleton of the young man, believed to have been one of at least 35 brutally executed in the city in AD 1002 on the orders of the king, was couriered from its home at Oxfordshire County Council’s Museums Resource Centre in Standlake, West Oxfordshire, to Copenhagen earlier this month. The bones were laid out earlier this week after a period in quarantine.

Ancient DNA evidence published last year revealed that the skeleton – labelled SK1756 but named Vidar by its Danish hosts – is a close relative, such as an uncle, nephew, grandson or half-brother, of a skeleton uncovered during an excavation in Denmark. Both will soon be on display to the public at a Viking exhibition at the National Museum of Denmark and have already been the subject of a Danish documentary, partly filmed in Oxfordshire last September.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Curator of Archaeology, Angie Bolton, said: “It was a bit emotional waving goodbye to him after all of this planning, filming, and getting to know his story.”

The mass grave was discovered in 2008 when archaeological excavations took place ahead of a development in the grounds of Oxford University’s St John’s College. Research shows that they had all been massacred at the same time, probably in AD 1002.

While 33 of them were tall, robust adult males, two were adolescents who had all met a violent death but did not necessarily lead a violent life. Isotopic analysis suggests that some of the victims originated from within the UK, Denmark and Germany.

SK1756 had been hit with a sword eight to ten times in the head and stabbed several times in the spine.

The massacre was prompted by King Aethelred II’s inability to stop Viking invaders from raiding England towards the end of the 10^th century, despite paying them large bribes to stop.

As a result, in AD 1002 he issued a decree ordering the killing of all Danes on St Brice’s Day, including Danish raiders, plus settlers and their offspring. The timing, plus historical and archaeological evidence suggests that the remains found in Oxford were probably of people killed as part of this decree.

The Danish exhibition is due to run in various forms until 2024 and was the brainchild of Dr Rane Willerslev, Director of the National Museum of Denmark, who also visited Standlake last year to film the documentary. His twin brother Eske – an expert in DNA – helped to establish the family link between the two skeletons.

Jeanette Varberg, Exhibition Curator, said: “We are honoured and delighted that we can reunite two family members that were separated 1,000 years ago. These two men carry a harsh story in their bones. We will share our new insights during the upcoming exhibition on Vikings at the National Museum of Denmark, opening on 26 June.”

However, you don’t have to travel all the way to Copenhagen if you want to view Viking skeletons. The Oxfordshire Museum, in Woodstock, has another of the massacred Oxford Vikings on display as part of its Skeleton Science exhibition, which opened to the public last month. The museum and display is free to visit.

Created by Durham University, this exhibition explores how scientific analysis of their skeletons helps us to understand more about the lives of people from the past.

The bones of the young Viking on display show that his upper body was muscular and that he had an unusually shaped head due to the plates of his skull having started to fuse before he had stopped growing. We know he was aged between 16 and 20 years old, suffered with tuberculosis, and had violent wounds inflicted on him, resulting in his death.

Councillor Neil Fawcett, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Services and Safety, said: “We are delighted that our museums are once again opening up to visitors. The skeleton science exhibition offers a glimpse into Oxford’s gory past, as well a fascinating look at what scientists can teach us about the lives of our ancestors.”

The Museums Resource Centre is the principal store for all archaeological sites excavated or studied in Oxfordshire. Collections include objects from every period of human history – prehistoric, Roman, Saxon, medieval and post-medieval.

Visitors to The Oxfordshire Museum in Woodstock this summer are in for a treat as it opens Wonderland: A wander through the world of Alice.

The exhibition, which runs from June 15 to September 8, gives families the chance to explore Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland chapter by chapter, through immersive installations, objects from the museum’s collection and hands-on activities.

Highlights include the opportunity to take part in a game of croquet, dressing up as the Cheshire Cat and seeing yourself transformed in a magic mirror and taking your seat for a tea party with Alice and her friends.

The Oxfordshire Museum is run by Oxfordshire County Council and forms part of our rich cultural service, supporting our commitment to thriving communities. We provide services that enhance the quality of life in our communities and protect the local environment.

From the museum’s collection are items that belonged to Alice Liddell, the real-life Alice who inspired the story, including her dress and parasol.

As you make your way through the chapters you will also find the Mad Hatter’s top hat, the cook’s pepper pot, the footman’s livery and the Queen’s tart cases.

The exhibition has been curated by The Story Museum in Oxford and is the first time the two organisations have worked in partnership.

The story of Alice was first told in Oxford by Lewis Carroll, who lived and worked as a don at Christ Church, and many of the most famous characters and scenes from the much-loved book are inspired directly from Carroll’s surroundings and contemporaries.

Cllr Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet member for Cultural Services, said: “The story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is intrinsically linked to Oxford and it’s wonderful that we’ve been able to link up with The Story Museum to put on this exhibition.

“Objects from the museum’s social history collections really do help to bring the Victorian world of Lewis Carroll and Alice to life.”

Whether you’re a life-long fan, or new to Alice and want to take your first tumble down the rabbit hole, this exhibition offers families the perfect chance to enjoy a classic story together.

The museum will also be marking Alice’s Day on July 6 with garden games and a tea party from 2pm-4pm.

There is a full programme of children’s activities throughout the summer holidays.

The Oxfordshire Museum is open 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm Sundays. Entry to the museum and exhibitions is free. For further information click here or telephone 01993 814106.

The museum in Woodstock presents Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, from The Southbank Centre, London, featuring 35 lithographic prints of the artist’s famous cut-outs.

Matisse (1869-1954) was one of the 20th century's most influential artists. He continued creating highly-original works well into his 80s.

The cut-outs were produced in the last four years of his life, when the artist was confined to his bed, and include many of his iconic images, such as The Snail and the Blue Nudes.

For these cut-outs he used paper that had been hand-painted with gouache and said of the process that 'the paper cut-out allows me to…draw straight into the colour'.

May half-term art activities for children and families at The Oxfordshire Museum will have a Matisse theme and on Friday, May 31, there is a free creative drop-in session for older people in association with the Age of Creativity initiative and Oxfordshire Artweeks. Click here for further details.

Matisse: Drawing with Scissors, Late works 1950-54, runs from May 4 to June 2. Entry is free.

The society’s annual selling exhibition from April 6-28 will showcase paintings, sculpture and printmaking of the highest quality by artists in Oxfordshire, many of whom exhibit nationally and internationally.

The Oxford Art Society was formed in 1891 at the instigation of Walter Tyrwhitt, who remarked on the need for a society to encourage art in the city and in the university.

Each year since 1972 the Society has held an exhibition for members’ work in addition to the annual open exhibition.

Non-members are encouraged to submit work to the annual open exhibition for selection on the same basis as the selection of works by members of the Society. It is from these exhibitions that new members are invited to join.

The Oxfordshire Museum is run by Oxfordshire County Council and forms part of our rich cultural service, supporting our commitment to thriving communities. We provide services that enhance the quality of life in our communities and protect the local environment.

Admission to The Oxford Art Society exhibition is free. The Oxfordshire Museum is located at Fletcher’s House, Park Street, Woodstock OX20 1SN Map directions

Museum opening times: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 5pm. Sundays, 2-5pm. Last admission at weekends is at 4.45pm.

The Woodstock-based attraction is pulling out all the stops for youngsters next week - with music, stories, crafts and treasure hunts on the menu.

The fun and games begin on Saturday (10 Feb) with a Year of the Dog celebration and Chinese lantern-making. Special events will continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with music and rhymes for under-fives, treasure trails and ‘magical mobiles’ among the activities.

Full list of half-term events at The Oxfordshire Museum:

Saturday 10th February

• Year of Dog Chinese celebration event. Story-telling and make Chinese lanterns with Snowflake Books. 2-4pm Free family fun activities for all.

Tuesday 13th February

• TOM Tots: Music, stories and rhymes for the under 5s. 10.30 – 11 am. £1 per child. £2.50 per family.
• Family Fun craft drop-in: Paper Prints. Make paper designs large and small using print and collage Lucienne Day style. 2 – 4pm £2 per child. £5 per family

Wednesday 14th February

• Trash and Treasure Family workshop – suitable for ages 5+. A pick and mix of treasure activities including Make Your Own Bling! 10.30am -12.00 £3 per child. £7 per family. Booking required T: 01993 814106
• Treasure Hunters – Guided Family Trail – suitable for ages 5+. Wonderful things to touch and see. Join our expedition to seek out Oxfordshire’s treasures. Trails every 30 minutes from 2-4pm. £1 per child

Thursday 15th February

• Family Fun craft drop-in: Magical Mobiles. Take shapes and colours from the ‘Living Design’ exhibition and make a magical mobile. 2 – 4pm £2 per child. £5 per family

Find out more about The Oxfordshire Museum