Cuming Museum
About This Museum
The Cuming Museum was a true London original, a cabinet of curiosities born from one family's obsessive passion for the weird and wonderful. It felt less like a formal institution and more like stepping directly into the eclectic mind of its founders, Richard and Henry Syer Cuming. Their personal hoard ranged from ancient Roman pottery unearthed in Walworth to bizarre charms and shrunken heads. This delightful jumble told the story of Southwark itself, one peculiar object at a time.
Collection Highlights
You'd find everything from a mummified cat and 'witch bottles' to an impressive array of English delftware and Roman artifacts discovered just down the road. The star attraction was arguably the 'Walworth Mummy', which captivated visitors for generations.
Visitor Information
Sadly, a major fire in 2013 forced its closure, and the museum never reopened its doors on Ethel Street; its collections are now cared for by Southwark Council with some items occasionally popping up in local displays.
Architecture & Building
It was housed in a rather unassuming red-brick Victorian building that once formed part of the Newington Library, making its fantastical contents all the more surprising.
Contact & Location
Address: Ethel Street, Browning Estate, Walworth, London Borough of Southwark, London, Greater London, England, SE17 1NH, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 7525 2332
