Amberley is a thirty-six acre open air museum set in the midst of the beautiful South Downs in West Sussex. It is next to Amberley railway station in the Arun River valley, not far from the historic town of Arundel. With its historic buildings, working exhibits and demonstrations the Museum aims to show how science, technology and industry have affected peoples' lives.
Amberley Museum was established in 1979 to preserve the rapidly disappearing industrial history of the south east. Since that time the museum has developed into a major education and research centre, as well as providing an interesting and educational day out.
Today the museum houses a number of important collections, supported by libraries and archives. The museum is also home to six self-employed craftsmen who earn their living while demonstrating their craft to the visitors. Every day craftsmen are working, other demonstrations take place and exhibits are in operation. A vintage bus and narrow gauge railway take visitors around the site.
The Company's Museum of Roads and Roadmaking was established at Amberley in 1995. The Paviors' museum advisory committee includes Past Master Ian Dussek and Liverymen Roger Barnard. Regular meetings are held with the Amberley Executive, covering routine maintenance, and display improvements are now being planned in the light of practical experience. Initially, efforts were made to save and display old plant; now the aim is to display the highways story more logically.
Audio-visual and hands-on displays are a "must" for a modern museum. Thanks to the kindness of several Paviors, it has been possible to show videos, but time and technology have moved on, so consideration is being given to new projects.
All this costs money. Fortunately, some funds remained after the Roadmakers exhibit was opened and these are being used to keep the structure and exhibits in good condition. Meantime, the Paviors and Amberley are jointly evolving the new display plan.
Members of the committee are happy to discuss Amberley matters with any members of the Livery.