The Long Shop Museum was founded in 1984. It is housed in a cluster of historic buildings in the Suffolk market town of Leiston. The buildings are survivors of the original 19th century works site of Richard Garrett and Sons.
Garretts were world-famous manufacturers of steam engines and other agricultural machinery, and the Museum has important collections relating to farming machinery, steam traction, tools and commercial and domestic products that were made by the works during its 200 year history - from sickles to steam engines, from seed drills to tumble dryers, and from threshers to box makers
The Museum site covers over an acre. It includes several historic, and listed buildings. The Long Shop itself – a prototype for assembly line production – is unique and grade II* listed. Around the Museum, several other works buildings also remain. These have been converted to other uses but retain their character and enhance the Museum experience for visitors.
The museum also holds significant collections relating to the Garret family, including Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman doctor in England.
The museum helps to explain the town’s industrial character and how its residents contributed to the agricultural and industrial revolutions.
The Museum is committed to the local community and offers a focus for local cultural and heritage activities.
Attracting around 10,000 visitors each year, The Long Shop Museum makes an important contribution to the local tourism offer, both in Leiston and in the East Suffolk area,. The Museum is also a place of pilgrimage for many people interested in industrial heritage and archaeology.
The Long Shop is an independent accredited museum and registered charity (No.1167945).
The Museum is governed by a board of trustees; managed by a small team of staff, and brought to life by volunteers who take care of the day to day running of
the Museum.
The Museum has two part-time, and two full-time members of staff, including the Manager, and over 60 volunteers working in a variety of roles.