Lancashire Conservation Studios - Behind the Scenes with Conservators & Curators

1.Behind the Scenes at the Conservation Studios- Saturday 13th September 10.30 – 15:30
An opportunity to see inside the old, converted church on St Mary's Street. This building was transformed into modern conservation studios caring for historic artefacts- its Lancashire's own Repair Shop'. Learn about our work at the internationally important Rochdale Town Hall and see objects undergoing conservation in preparation for display in 2026.
The tour takes about 45 minutes.
Wander through the grounds and graveyard where many of the gravestones have recently been revealed telling the tales of local families. Plant and bird ID sheets will be available for families to use.

2. Meet the Curator- 17th September 15.30 – 19.30
This late afternoon and evening event allows you an opportunity to see items from our reserve collections and speak to the museum curators.
Lancashire's has an important Archaeological Heritage, and we will be displaying items from Ribchester Roman Bath house excavations, original Roman Tent Pegs, Medieval coins and Bronze Age pottery! Take a tour of the studios to see how this 1836 church and graveyard has been revived to modern use.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

10.30 - 15.30

Wednesday 17 September:

15.30 - 19.30

Location & directions

Lancashire Conservation Studios, St Mary's Church, St Mary's Street, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 5LN

Directions:

By Car Unfortunately car and pedestrian access from New Hall Lane is closed at present, From the M6 junction 31- Travel into Preston down New Hall Lane and turn right at the T junction onto the A6. Either turn right across the traffic into the Museum Of Lancashire site and follow the pink signs or turn right at the traffic lights into Ribbleton Lane. Turn right immediately after Preston Prison into St Mary's Street and the Conservation Studios is half way along the street on the right. Parking is through the black gates.. By Bus / foot - Walk down Church Street passed the Parish Church toward ringway. Cross the road and enter the site via the Museum of Lancashire entrance off London road and adjacent to the Victorian entrance to Preston prison. There will be pink Heritage Open Day Bunting at both entrances

Contact on day:

Heather C Davis

Telephone number:

+447825116216

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Book on day

Booking conditions:

Happy for visitors just to turn up on the day but if you could pre-book that would aid us in timing each tour. Details below

Booking contact name:

Audrey Johnson

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

28 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

17 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The paths around the church are a mix of tarmac & gravel so may not all be suitable for wheelchair access. The hearing loop is limited to certain areas of the site but those leading the tours are experienced in public speaking.

Additional information

This year we will be highlighting Lancashire's Archaeological Heritage at our meet the Curators event on the 17th September. It will be a chance to see some items from Ribchester Roman Bath house excavations and original Roman Tent Pegs! Connecting to this years theme of Architecture the tours of the studios will highlight the major restoration work the team have completed at Rochdale's internationally important Victorian Town Hall. From the 20th Century we will highlight the important collection of models and Archives of the construction of Skelmersdale which go on display in 2026.

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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