The creation of the Hartlepool Museums and Heritage Service was mainly down to one man: William Cresswell Gray, who was a member of a family of shipbuilders who played an important part in the history of Hartlepool. He left the original museum building to the town in 1920 in thanks for the safe return of his son from the First World War. The building was named the Gray Art Gallery and Museum in his honour.

Since the museum opened an important and diverse collection of objects that reflect the history of Hartlepool have become part of the museum collection. This collection includes objects of archaeology; natural history; costume; fine and decorative art; social history; world cultures; coins and medals. The museum service continues to collect today looking to fill gaps in its existing collection and represent the more recent history of the town since the amalgamation of the two Hartlepool Boroughs in 1967.

A period of redevelopment and regeneration in Hartlepool during the mid 1990s led to the closing of the Gray Art Gallery and Museum and the development of two separate venues. The Museum of Hartlepool opened at the Historic Quayside and the Hartlepool Art Gallery moved to the converted Christ Church. Much of the collection is placed on public display through permanent or temporary exhibitions at these venues. Objects not currently on display are housed and cared for in our stores.

We hope that you enjoy looking at these photographs. We would really like your input to help us develop the collection even more. If you know anything about the people, places or events in these photographs then please leave a comment.

For further information about Hartlepool Museums and Heritage Service please go to: www.hartlepoolsmaritimeexperience.com/

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