The Alfred Gillett Trust is set to bring history to life with its free exhibitions at The Grange, showcasing the ambitious plans for a new museum.

This effort marks a monumental chapter for the Trust since acquiring the heritage collections of C & J Clark in 2021.

Promising to be Somerset's latest cultural gem, the museum, when complete, will stand at the Grange in Street, where the Clarks story first took root.

The Grange is hosting free exhibitions, open every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am until 4 pm. This exhibition will offer glimpses into the proposed galleries that the museum aims to feature.

These include "Welcome to Street", a segment will focus on the history and identity of Street, while the"Making Shoes" exhibit gives an insight into the world of shoemaking, from the artistry behind each shoe to the intriguing tales of the artisans themselves. Not just about shoes, it will be about the people who brought them to life, spanning eras from handcrafted methods to the dawn of mechanised production.

Meanwhile, "Buying and Selling" will a nostalgic journey through time, as visitors can explore the evolution of shoe selling. The spotlight is on the dazzling array of shoes from the collection, taking visitors from the days before brick-and-mortar shops to the bustling global marketplaces of today.

How the new museum could look

For history and geology enthusiasts alike, the "Ancient Underwater World" section will showcases the Trust's unparalleled collection of marine reptile fossils, including the Ichthyosaurs, painting a vivid picture of Jurassic Somerset from over 200 million years ago.

The Trust is keen to hear from visitors about the stories they'd love to see from the museum and the objects that intrigue them the most. Their ambitious plans involve transforming the Grade II Listed Grange site, with innovative designs and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring the new museum becomes a key attraction in Somerset's cultural landscape.