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Richard Jefferies Museum

@rjmuseum.bsky.social
100 followers 115 following 470 posts

Small community-run museum and gardens at the birthplace of Victorian naturalist and author Richard Jefferies in Swindon, Wiltshire. "The lover of nature has the highest art in his soul." Official Bluesky account from the Richard Jefferies Museum, run by

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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
This National Poetry Day, let's celebrate Charles Hamilton Sorley (1895-1915), who was deeply inspired by Richard Jefferies' nature writings, and sadly died during the First World War.
A collage of portraits of Richard Jefferies (1848-1887) and Charles Hamilton Sorley (1895-1915).
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The volunteers who come and do all sorts of tasks at the museum are our lifeblood. We have volunteers who stay for years, and others - because life happens - join us for a shorter period of time.
A collage of four photos, showing volunteers working on different things at the museum. Whatever your interest and ability, we can probably find a job for you.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The toad in Wood Magic tells Bevis a little more about Kapchack, the king: "His palace is up in an immense old apple-tree, dear. It is a long way from here, and it is in an orchard, where nobody is allowed to go." Come to Apple Day on 11th October, 1-5pm - see if you can find his palace!
One part of the old apple tree in the museum orchard, laden with rosy fruit.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"None of the trees, nor the moss, nor grasses cared anything at all about north or south." Bevis: The Story of a Boy Some of our apple trees are also home to very fluffy-looking moss... #TextureTuesday
A close-up of a moss-covered branch of an apple (pear?) tree. It is a very well-established moss.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
And that is it for our 2026 summer season! Thank you to everyone for visiting us, eating an astounding number of cream teas, and just being a fabulous audience for our musicians this year. If you love playing music live and are keen to support a local museum, let us know! forms.gle/aesgjUtcZ7qb...
A collage of photos showing four of the musicians we have had this summer.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
"One moment at least I had, a moment when I thought of the push of the great sea... the distant sea strong and splendid... when I felt the wind, and was conscious of the earth, the sea, the sun, the air, the immense forces working on, while the city hummed by the river." The Story of My Heart
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Anti-scam alert 🚨 We are a small charity run by volunteers. If you have booked tickets to any of our events and can no longer make it, please let us know via message or email. If there is enough time to re-sell the tickets, we will be able to process a refund.
A black and white image of a ghost made from a white plastic bag, permanent black marker, and tape.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Playing live this weekend is Silver Lining, a five-piece band covering folk songs and well-loved classics. Our doors open at 1pm, and live music starts at 2pm. Come support your local musicians AND museum! Live music is scheduled to start at 2pm. Entry is FREE to all .
A group of five older adults, posing with a piano, an accordion, drum sticks, electric guitar, and electric bass.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Now in the online store - our annual family Halloween event! Crafts, songs, games, trick or treating, concluding with hot chocolate and marshmallows by the fire... simple fun that lets your children's imaginations fly! Book now at richardjefferiesmuseum.sumupstore.com/product/hall...
A group of creatively-carved jack o'lanterns, lit with tealights and photographed in the dark.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It was such a beautiful day on Sunday afternoon, one of our volunteers thought to spend a little time appreciating the calyxes on the flowers still blooming in the community garden.
Views of seven flowers (sunflowers, cosmos, marigolds, Japanese anemone, and more I can't identify) from the back, with a focus on the calyx, the part that holds the petals up.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"In the autumn, as the meadows were not mown, the grass withered as it stood, falling this way and that, as the wind had blown it; the seeds dropped, and the bennets became a greyish-white, or, where the docks and sorrel were thick, a brownish-red...
A collage of six images, showing plants that have gone to seed, including a grapevine!
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"The exceeding beauty of the earth... yields a new thought with every petal. The hours when the mind is absorbed by beauty are the only hours when we really live, so that the longer we can stay among these things so much the more is snatched from inevitable Time." The Life of the Fields
Close up of a white cosmos flower, with other flowers of the same species in the background.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A little reminder that we are holding an open mic for our Tree Day event in December - if you've ever fancied trying out some new musical material, or want to perform in front of a small, relaxed audience, why not give Tree Day a go? Let us know if you're interested here: forms.gle/Ko1k25Hq3Las...
forms.gle
Richard Jefferies Museum Open Mic
The first Sunday in December is Tree Day, when we celebrate our trees and give thanks for all they do for us - this isn't a Christmas event, so we do not expect anything festive-themed, just music!…
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Don't forget to follow our WhatsApp channel if you just want no-nonsense updates on what's happening at the museum... whatsapp.com/channel/0029...
whatsapp.com
Richard Jefferies Museum
Channel • 7 followers • Cut out the algorithm and noise. This channel will tell you what's happening at the museum, located at Coate in Swindon. Birthplace of the Victorian nature writer, Richard…
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Earlier this year, the museum commissioned Prime Theatre to shoot this wonderful video, with Arlo playing a young Richard Jefferies. In it, he introduces this enchanting, inspiring place. Please share this far and wide, so more people can find out about this Swindonian gem! youtu.be/oi4mI7I6aLM
youtu.be
Richard Jefferies Museum - an invitation
A welcome to the Richard Jefferies Museum, birthplace of the nature writer, Richard Jefferies (of course).
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Save the date of 11th October for our annual Apple day! Colin Hatch and his team will be crushing apples on their vintage equipment, it is truly fascinating to watch. Bang to Rites drummers will be performing throughout the afternoon, and live music is provided by Mudhoney Blues.
A group of volunteers work on different parts of a vintage apple crushing machine.The logo for Mudhoney Blues, a close up of lips with a dripping honeycomb superimposed over the image.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
1-5pm, 20th September FREE live music during Lazy Summer Sundays Richard Jefferies Museum AJ are an acoustic duo playing in and around Wiltshire. They play a mixture of covers and original music adapted to their own chilled acoustic style. Live music is scheduled to start at 2pm. Entry is FREE.
A duo dressed casually, playing the guitar and singing.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Bookings for Nature Kids over October half-term are now open! Keep your babies, toddlers, and primary-aged children occupied, entertained, and *outdoors* over the break. richardjefferiesmuseum.sumupstore.com/product/natu... #nature #Swindon
richardjefferiesmuseum.sumupstore.com
Nature Tots and Kids | Richard Jefferies Museum
Nature Tots for 0-5s (Nature Kids 0-11 in the school holidays) is a stay and play session with a difference. We are an outdoor group with a focus on nature and all its bountiful gifts - come dressed…
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
You can now support Richard Jefferies Museum Trust when you buy a gift card from 100s of retailers. It won’t cost any extra, and you’ll make an instant donation. Not signed up yet? It only takes 2 minutes! join.easyfundraising.org.uk/richard-jeff...
join.easyfundraising.org.uk
You spend, brands donate to Richard Jefferies Museum Trust.
Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Have you visited our Heritage Open Days exhibition? Answer the survey on the HOD site, and you could win a £250 voucher. www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/sur...
heritageopendays.org.uk
How was your Heritage Open Days?
We hope you’ve had a wonderful Heritage Open Days! We'd love to hear about your experience - what was good, what wasn’t so good, what surprised you, and what you’d like to see next year. We'd be very…
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
🥰👊💚 We have, once again, been fully-accredited with Arts Council England - this means our small but mighty museum is recognised for how we care for our collections, our management, and the standards of service we provide. Thanks to all our volunteers for their contributions in making this happen!
Three museum volunteers in branded green fleeces post smilingly with a certificate marking our full accreditation with Arts Council England!
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
The mild weather means our flowers are still blooming. "The rose, restful of a dewy morn before the sunbeams have topped the garden wall, must feel a joy in its own fragrance, and know the exquisite hue of its stained petals. The rose sleeps in its beauty." Field and Hedgerow
A pink rose just beginning to bloom in the flowerbeds at the front of the museum. The petals and leaves are wet with light rain.A white Cosmo flower in full bloom, growing in front of the museum's parlour window.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
1-5pm, 13th September FREE live music with Ultimate Tuition's student showcase A high-energy afternoon of live music featuring the next generation of talent. Ultimate Tuition students take the stage to showcase their skills, creativity and passion. Live music is scheduled to start at 2pm.
Logo for Ultimate Tuition
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The excitement doesn't stop at Nature Tots - one of our tots found a grass snake! Their mum thought it was the product of imagination until the adults laid eyes on it. As Jefferies says in Wild Life in a Southern County:
A grass snake with black and pale markings, and a yellow 'collar' round its neck.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Acclaimed writer Richard Jefferies was known for his eloquent prose about nature and wildlife, but he was also prolific about the lives of working people in Victorian England. What was a 'day in the office' like for manual and agricultural labourers in Jefferies' England...
An old black and white photo of an agricultural labourer from the early 20th century, carrying some hay around the front of an old cowshed.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The ladybird is one of our many helpful wild friends in the community garden, where a patio is being laid and many plants are still flowering. "Lady-birds (and their larvæ) destroy myriads of the aphides which cause rust, and a flight of lady-birds should be welcomed..." Field and Hedgerow
A red (seven spot?) ladybird hanging out on the stems of a Viper's Bugloss plant with small bluish-purple flowers.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
One of the design goals with the new community garden is to make it more accessible for everyone. The Gardening with Disabilities Trust has a fund available to help those with disabilities to get back in the garden: www.gardeningwithdisabilitiestrust.org.uk/services/giv...
gardeningwithdisabilitiestrust.org.uk
Grants for Gardening - Gardening With Disabilities Trust
How we can help The Trust exists to help people continue to experience the joy of gardening, despite disability.    We do this by awarding small financial grants to help applicants to continue to gard...
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
1-5pm, 6th September FREE live music by John Coventry during Lazy Summer Sundays John Coventry is a UK based singer/songwriter. He began performing in pubs at the age of 19 before moving to California in 2003.
A bearded man sings while playing guitar. He is wearing a flat cap and a woven shirt in a patchwork design.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Lazy Summer Sundays 1-5pm, 30th August Two Monkeydolls is a new incarnation of the established three-piece Monkeydolls. Since becoming a duo, Paul and Sean still entertain with classic covers of pop and rock, blending an acoustic and electric sound that’ll have you singing and dancing along.
A composite image of two men, one playing drums, the other, a guitar, both singing.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Nature Kids... are colourful! In Field and Hedgerow, Jefferies asks, "Would it be possible to build up a fresh system of colour language by means of natural objects? Could we say pine-wood green, larch green, spruce green, wasp yellow, humble-bee amber?" #children #toddlers #play #outdoors
Arms, hands and fingers of children are covered in ink from bingo dabbers, as they make marks on a long roll of paper, using blocks of wood, sponge brushes, and wooden stamps.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Our latest newsletter is available to read: mailchi.mp/b225a4038f95... You can view dates for upcoming events, and register your interest as a musician for Tree Day and even next year's summer season... #Swindon #museum #community
mailchi.mp
An update on what's on at the museum this autumn and winter
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
This is very close to our hearts... support local good causes by buying a Swindon Community Lottery ticket. There is also a £2000 holiday prize up for grabs! www.swindonlottery.co.uk/support/rich... #Swindon #lottery #SupportLocal
Advertising the super draw, with a photo of mature trees to emphasise the prize of planting 2000 trees.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
1-5pm, 23rd August Lazy Summer Sundays with FREE live music Richard Wileman is a composer & songwriter from Swindon, UK. His music often has gothic, surrealist or cosmic themes and is influenced by prog, experimental, classical, soundtracks, easy listening, library music, folk horror and art rock.
Two sunglasses-wearing adults smile. They are Richard Wileman (with short grey hair) and AMy Fry (with dark blonde hair), and they are standing under Swindon's curly wurly bridge, a livestock bridge that spans the M4 motorway.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Wren Foster, Jason Hull and Rachael Birkin playing live 1-5pm, 16th August FREE live music during Lazy Summer Sundays Richard Jefferies Museum, Marlborough Road, SN3 6AA The weather forecast is more pleasant this weekend - come join us in the gardens, we have cream teas and shade!
Three casually-dressed people are standing while they play two flutes and a viola.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Massive gratitude to Michael for donating this grandfather clock, and restoring it to its former glory. This new (to us) clock resembles one described in The Amateur Poacher (1879). #clocks #horology
A bespectacled man stands next to a grandfather clock, which has had its face removed.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Swindon Open Studios is back in September, and we are venue no. 56! Toni Roylance explores themes of nature, healing and connection through her work.
A poster featuring four images painted by Toni Roylance, all based around nature.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
1-5pm, 16th August Richard Jefferies Museum JP Oldfield is a rising figure on the UK indie-blues circuit, channelling the feel of old juke joints and Victorian oddities into theatrical roots songs. open.spotify.com/artist/12LI7... Live music is scheduled to start at 2pm. Entry is FREE to all!
A black and white photo of a bearded man playing guitar.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
"Only by walking hand in hand with nature, only by a reverent and loving study of the mysteries for ever around us, is it possible to disabuse the mind of the narrow view, the contracted belief that time is now and eternity to-morrow. Eternity is to-day." The Hills and the Vale
A close-up of a horse chestnut sapling growing near its parent in a green space.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Some of our Nature Kids' creature creations from earlier in the week... the birds might find these a little harder to snatch with their beaks!
Hand-crafted caterpillar and spider, created from everyday recycling, hang from the branches of the museum's mulberry tree.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
The Richard Jefferies Museum is pleased to be a part of Signal Festival, with a full day of activities on 30th July: 10:30am : Claymazing! www.tickettailor.com/events/signa... 12:30pm: Readings and music from the cart (open mic) forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/respon... #youth #arts #Swindon
tickettailor.com
Buy tickets – Claymazing! with Richard Jefferies – Richard Jefferies Museum
Claymazing! with Richard Jefferies – Richard Jefferies Museum, Thu 30 Jul 2026 - Get your hands dirty with us, as we dig up clay and turn it into pots or cups, or mini works of art with Richard Jeffer...
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Terry is a long-time volunteer at the Richard Jefferies Museum, looking after all manner of things outside. His generosity has also extended to donating the funds needed for some of our community garden project!
A man in outdoor clothing (and bucket hat, and rucksack) sits and looks into the middle distance (well, we think so, he has sunglasses on).
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
1-5pm, 19th July FREE live music during Lazy Summer Sundays Bob is known throughout the South West and beyond for his bluesy guitar playing and soulful voice. Bob writes and performs his own songs and classic covers of genres like blues, soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, rock and funk. #Swindon
A black and white photo of a man in a hat and white button down shirt, playing an acoustic guitar.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
"The language of the eyes is cultivated to a marvellous degree; as we say of dogs, they quite talk with their eyes." The Open Air Some of our volunteers' children found this little cement dog on the museum grounds. Do you think you can spot it the next time you visit?
A close-up photo of a little dog cast in cement. It has been hidden in the undergrowth for a long time, so is covered in a fluffy mat of moss.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
It isn't just Lazy Summer Sundays this weekend, it's Steam and Cream Teas, too! And three very different musical acts are on offer: Mr Love and Justice from 2pm on Saturday, Unearthed from 2pm on Sunday, followed by The Blind Tomorrow. #heritage #vintage #engineering #CreamTeas
Poster advertising Steam and Cream Teas, with a photograph of a vintage engine, address and time details, and what else is on offer that day.A man wearing a striped t-shirt plays an acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone.Four teenage boys, holding instruments, stare somewhat impassively into the camera in a black and white photo.Two men, one playing recorder, the other an acoustic guitar.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
"Such a sunny slumber, and such a fragrance of flowers, both wild and cultivated, have dwelt round and over the place these 200 years, and mayhap before that." Wild Life in a Southern County
A small patch of wildflowers resplendent in the summer sunshine.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Finally, we have Ken and Harry's Woodstuff coming to Steam and Cream Teas: "Ken & Harry’s Woodstuff are two retired, hobby woodturners. We make a range of chopping and serving boards, bowls, tea-light holders, wooden fruit, door stops and many, many other items in rescued and re-purposed timbers."
A range of turned wood products displayed on a table at what looks like a craft fair.A range of turned wood products displayed on a table at what looks like a craft fair.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
What in the world is the DIY team doing with this cart? Wrong answers only. No two days are the same when you volunteer with the museum. Music by Maksym Malko from Pixabay pixabay.com/users/maksym...
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Another artisan opening a stall at Steam and Cream Teas on 11-12 July is Krystyna Wysocka, a specialist in felt. She creates a variety of art pieces using various techniques, with much of her work inspired by nature and her Polish roots. Do come along and support our local artists from 1pm!
A woman wearing black and Polish traditional headwear beams while standing amongst her multitudes of art output, which include 3D figures, framed pieces, and wreaths - all felted.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
Free live music on Sunday afternoon Doors open 1pm, music starts around 2pm Shedric is a distinctive voice - an artist who doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre. Blending elements of folk, blues, and acoustic music, his intricate guitar work and strong songwriting give him an entirely unique sound.
A man wearing a long sleeved top with a tiger print, plays guitar and sings.
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Richard Jefferies Museum @rjmuseum.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
"Listening to the sighing of the grass I felt immortality as I felt the beauty of the summer morning, and I thought beyond immortality, of other conditions, more beautiful than existence, higher than immortality." The Story of My Heart This #NationalMeadowsDay we have a special guest - Grasslands.
The orchard at the museum, currently extremely lush with grasses and fruit trees.
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