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The Sewing Machine Museum in London is well off the tourist trail.
It’s a very niche museum, to put it mildly.
We know nothing about sewing or sewing machines, and it’s hard to define what drew us to the Sewing Machine Museum, but it’s surprisingly enjoyable.
Sewing Machine Museum
The Sewing Machine Museum is a private collection of sewing machines housed above the Wimbledon Sewing Machine Company, a family-run business established in 1946.
The museum was the passion project of Ray Rushton, whose enthusiasm for sewing machines turned into one of the most comprehensive collections in the UK, if not the world.
Although there is no exact figure, according to one staff member, the Sewing Machine Museum is estimated to contain around 800 machines.
At first glance, the place appears to be a storeroom, with old racks and dusty machines.
It’s not until you step through into the room on the left that you see what the museum is all about.
If you’re into sewing machines or collect them yourself, this is the room where the magic is.
This room also features one of the museum’s highlights, a replica of the original shop front from the late 1940s.
The Sewing Machine Museum is far more interesting than you might imagine, but it really comes to life with a talk from one of the staff members.
There is one talk, sometimes two, during the museum’s rare opening hours, which start at approximately 2:15 pm.
It’s all relatively informal, as you will find out.
The talks last for about 45 minutes, thanks to an energetic, excitable and engaging speaker.
She told stories about the replica shop, a World War II bomb, Charlie Chaplin, a barrel organ, Boy George, blockbuster movies, AllSaints shop displays and the fancy sewing machines in the room, which were kept under lock and key.
One of which is a sewing machine belonging to Queen Victoria’s eldest daughter, Victoria, which, at the time, was the most expensive sewing machine sold at auction.
The machine sold for a whopping £23500 at Christie’s, according to ismacs.net.
It was the most expensive until it was surpassed by French tailor Thimonnier’s wooden No. 4 prototype sewing machine, which sits in the next cabinet and was bought for an eye-watering amount.
We won’t ruin the story for you.
You’ll have to go and find out for yourself.
Despite having no interest in sewing, it’s easy to appreciate sewing machines.
They were a revolutionary invention that changed the way clothing was made, impacting the textile industry and daily life forever.
These cast-iron machines were more than just tools; they became an icon of design.
They had aesthetic appeal, featuring gold decals, floral motifs, and intricate inlays that made them appear like luxury items, designed to be at home in a home.
Visitor Information
Although the museum is free, you are welcome and encouraged to leave a donation in one of the several donation tins dotted around.
Donations are cash only and go to the RNLI and Leukaemia charity, in memory of a former colleague of the shop next door.
📍 308 Balham High Road, Tooting Bec, London, SW17 7AA
💷 Free
🕙 Feb to November, 2 pm – 5 pm on the first Saturday of the month
Sewing Machine Museum Photos
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