What are the opening hours?

Monday 7pm - 9:30pm Tuesday 1pm - 4pm Thursday 1pm - 4pm 7pm - 9:30pm Saturday 10am - 1pm

The Magic Attic

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The Magic Attic

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The Magic Attic is a large local history archive located in South Derbyshire at the Sharpe's Heritage Centre in Swadlincote.
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The Magic Attic was started in 1987 by local historians who were interested in preserving information about the area. The Attic is based in Sharpe’s Pottery Museum but we are completely independent of the museum. We are a registered charity run completely by volunteers. Although strongly focused on South Derbyshire and North West Leicestershire, the archive material also covers East Staffordshire, other parts of Derbyshire and other counties of the UK. The archive holds a wide range of material and is an invaluable source of information for research students, schools, family historians and village history groups. We welcome groups to come and ‘take a tour’ by prior arrangement. We also take out our ‘Roadshow’ of records and photographs to Family and Local History exhibitions. Talks on local history can be arranged either at the Attic or at outside venues.

03/11/2026

🎬 Tales from The Magic Attic – A Celebration of Swadlincote's History

Filmed over three years, Tales from The Magic Attic tells the fascinating story of one of Swadlincote's most treasured community archives and the volunteers who help preserve our local history.

In the November edition of SWADStyle, we speak to Magic Attic volunteer Ron Causer and filmmaker Dr Eleanor Yule about the making of the film and the stories behind it.

The film will be screened at Swadlincote Town Hall on Sunday 15th November, with showings at 2pm and 4.30pm.

Tickets are free and available from Swadlincote Visitor Information Centre on the High Street. Donations are welcome on the day. Subject to availability

You can read the full interview on page 12 of November's SWADStyle.

30/10/2026

Congratulations!!!! Very well deserved all at Sharpe's Pottery Museum

15/10/2026

👏🏻👏🏻 Brilliant news!!

Back in July I wrote a letter of support for an application for funding for Bretby Art Pottery Showroom.

Well, today I am delighted to hear they have been awarded £999,405 by Historic England.

The project aims to secure the long-term future of the Grade II listed Bretby Art Pottery Showroom through a phased programme of comprehensive repair, conservation and enabling works, bringing a nationally significant building back from risk and into sustainable community use.

These awards given by Historic England recognise the vital role historic places play in community life. They support local pride, skills, wellbeing and regeneration while safeguarding valued buildings for future generations. 🙌🏻

You can read more here:

➡️ https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSwGuPXWS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

And here:

➡️ https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5wyrnlpll3jo

Aaaaaand here:

➡️ https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/heritage-at-risk/capital-fund-projects/2026/

14/10/2026

04/10/2026

🕰️ A familiar face is on its way home!

Dinnis’s clock has been away for repairs, and the great news is that the scaffolding is now up — so it looks like it could soon return to its rightful place on Swadlincote High Street!

The clock once advertised Dinnis’s jewellers, established in 1889 and run by three generations of the family until 2006. A familiar meeting point for shoppers, it holds a special place in our town’s history.

We’ll keep you posted! Do you remember meeting beneath the clock? 💬

30/09/2026

For your enjoyment! Another fantastic offering from Box Of Tricks ❤️

From Green To Black And Back AgainFrom a green valley, through co...

23/09/2026

It's finally here!!! After much work from Liverpool John Moores University the film is ready. Showing Sunday 15th November, with two showings. Tickets will be available from the Tourist Information Centre in due course. Watch this space for the date that the *FREE* tickets will be available

12/09/2026

Swad Heritage Fest South Derbyshire Mining Preservation Group Sharpe's Pottery Museum
Heritage Open Days

Don't forget our talk by Dot and Shirley this afternoon People Express Starts at 3pm - 'The Rink and Local Entertainment'

The sign, which had not been seen since the 1960s, was spotted by chance in an auction on Facebook.

Address

Swadlincote
DE119DG

Opening Hours

Monday	7pm - 9:30pm
Tuesday	1pm - 4pm
Thursday	1pm - 4pm
	7pm - 9:30pm
Saturday	10am - 1pm

Telephone

01283 819020

Website

http://www.magicattic.org.uk/

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