We are delighted to announce that our new exhibition, titled ‘The town store in the county’, John Walton & Co. Ltd. is now live! The exhibition introduces and explores the Walton dynasty of Mere’s shopping world during the 19th and 20th centuries.
John Walton started the business in 1864 and this would grow greatly over the next 100 years. In 1907 they are listed as being family drapers, tailors, grocers, ironmongers, furniture dealers and removers, carpet warehousemen glass, china and earthenware dealers, bacon curers, cheese factors and a post office!
The store would have a huge impact on Mere and the surrounding villages, before its gradual decline from the 1960s onwards. The exhibition presents many objects and photographs from the era. It also explores its rise and fall as well as exploring its impact on the village which can still be seen today!
As always the museum is free to enter!
