Home > England > Kent > Museums > Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge (formerly the Royal Museum and Art Gallery with the Buffs Museum) is housed in the former Beaney Institute building on High Street. This delightful Grade II listed Victorian building was founded by Dr James Beaney, a Canterbury physician who later emigrated to Australia where he became so rich he was known as 'Diamond Jimmy'.
The gallery is the major local venue for art, both modern and historical. In addition, the gallery is used as a venue for the performing arts. A special gallery is devoted to the work of artist Thomas Sidney Cooper, famed for his portraits of cattle.
Beaney Museum
Within the museum are collections of Old Master drawings, paintings dating to the 16th century, local archaeological artefacts, and Saxon jewellery from the region. There is a Geological and Natural History Collection, prehistoric tools, 5th-century rune stones. A fascinating artefact is St Augustine's Chair, traditionally said to have been the seat used by Augustine when he received British bishops.
NB. Don't confuse this 'St Augustine's Chair' with the marble 'cathedra' or archbishop's chair in the cathedral!
There are a collection of drawings by Thomas Sidney Cooper, examples of Dutch stained glass, and finds from Ancient Egypt. One highlight is the collection of Greek Art gathered by Viscount Strangford.
Buffs Regimental Museum
A special gallery within the museum building houses the regimental collection of The Buffs (formerly the Royal East Kent Regiment). The collections include items loaned from the National Army Museum in London.
The Beaney Institute also houses an extensive local library containing historic documents dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. Among these are old maps, illustrations, and local newspapers.
About Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Address: 18 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2RA
Location: On the pedestrianised High Street, a short stroll from the cathedral gates.
Website: Beaney House of Art and Knowledge
Email: beaney@canterbury.gov.uk
Beaney House of Art and Knowledge Photos
Carrbridge Packhorse Bridge
16th century (Time Period) - 5th century (Time Period) - Prehistoric (Time Period) - Saxon (Time Period) - Victorian (Time Period) -
Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas - 0.1 miles (Abbey)
Blackfriars - 0.1 miles (Historic Building)
Canterbury, St Peter's church - 0.1 miles (Historic Church)
Old Weavers House - 0.1 miles (Historic Building)
Canterbury Historic River Tours - 0.1 miles (Family Attraction)
Christ Church Gateway - 0.1 miles (Historic Building)
Nearest Accommodation to Beaney House of Art and Knowledge:
3 Apsley Cottages, Chartham - 3 miles
More self catering near Beaney House of Art and Knowledge >>
Victoria Hotel - 0.7 miles
More Hotels near Beaney House of Art and Knowledge >>
Peregrine House - 0.1 miles
More bed and breakfasts near Beaney House of Art and Knowledge >>
Thatched Cottage, Ashton-under-Hill, Worcestershire Prints
Nat Field's House
This character period cottage is in the city of Canterbury in Kent and can sleep four people in two bedrooms.