Dorset Writers
Thomas Hardy is just one of the writers represented in the Museum’s collections. Others include the 19th-century poet, linguist and teacher William Barnes, and members of the Chaldon Herring literary and artistic community, such as the novelist Sylvia Townsend Warner, her partner the poet Valentine Ackland, and Powys family members.
Important Announcement
Friday 22 September 2023, The Victorian Hall will also be closed all day for a private function. The Fine Foundation Dorset Story Space, next the the Thomas Hardy's Dorset Gallery will also be closed for an hour around Midday.

Dorset Writers
October 30, 2020
John Cowper Powys (1872-1963) AD
Gertrude Powys painted sensitive portraits of her siblings and other artists and writers who were part of the Chaldon Herring community. In this painting she…
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Dorset Writers
September 24, 2020
Statue of William Barnes
Maquette for a statue of William Barnes by Edwin Roscoe Mullins (1848-1907)…
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Dorset Writers
September 24, 2020
William Barnes’ shoes
William Barnes (1801-1886) was well known and respected in Dorchester as a teacher, rector and one of the founders of Dorset Museum. A writer of…
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