Collection

Enjoy our fascinating art collection.

The Whitaker has 189 oil paintings in its permanent collection, most of which have been kindly and generously donated by either owner or painter.

The wealth of Rossendale during the industrial revolution of the 19th century is directly reflected within the collection. For a small museum, there are a substantial amount of good-quality portraits and a fine collection of 19th century genre paintings. We are now in the process of developing our contemporary art collection.

Portraits include local people who have made a substantial contribution to the development of Rossendale since the 18th century. They include the major cotton and woollen mill manufacturers including those with a close connection to the Whitaker building.