Collections
We have over 1200 paintings and sculptures displayed on ArtUK.
Our collections consist of paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, glass, ceramics, costume and textiles, history, photography and digital art. Many of the works of art and historical objects are of regional, national or even international significance.
Learn about the Textile Manufacturers of India, an 18-volume set of fabric sample books put together in 1866 by John Forbes Watson and published by the India Office of the British Government.
Collection Enquiries: The Harris has recently been successful in securing funding for a major refurbishment of our building. This means unfortunately our curators aren’t always able to respond to your enquiries or support research visits to the stores at the moment. Here is some information and resources we hope you will find useful.
Featured items
Amazing Fashion
We have over 6000 items of costume at the Harris. Discover some of our favourites here.
The Harris Art and Wellbeing Project
From March 2023, The Harris has worked with 6 different groups of people around Preston to choose which pieces of…
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The Roll of Honour
Discover more about the Roll of Honour, which lists 1956 men from Preston who lost their lives during the First…
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New Acquisitions
A collection of the brilliant new acquisitions The Harris have acquired during closure for The Harris Your Place project. Central…
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Preston Lockout Exhibition
This exhibition discusses the Preston Lock-out 1853-54, and the novels of Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell. Dickens’ Hard Times and…
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The HMP Preston Collection
Preston Street Songs
Staff Collection Picks
Our new monthly collection spotlight series will feature a favourite Harris object for each Harris staff member. Discover our stories…
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Oral History
The Harris has been building its oral history archive through the Memory Maker project. Recent areas of work have included…
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Historic Books
The Harris has a remarkable collection of historic books – many of which have been hidden away until now. We…
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Metalwork & Ivory
The Harris holds smaller miscellaneous collections such as a small clock and pocket watch collection that includes Preston makers.
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History
The history collections include archaeology, ethnography, coins and medals, and social history as well as quirkier collections such as greetings…
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Art
Our art collection was founded in 1883 with Richard Newsham’s bequest to Preston of his remarkable Victorian art collection.
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Photographs
The Harris' photography collection includes regionally significant historic prints. This includes film and glass negatives, slides and photograph albums by…
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Fashion & Textiles
Glass
The collection is dominated by two large personal collections which can be seen in the Ceramics & Glass Gallery.
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Ceramics
The museum’s collection covers everything from Ancient Greek pottery to the latest in contemporary practice.
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