The Magic Attic Archives

The Magic Attic is a large independent local history archive containing newspapers, photographs, maps, artefacts and family history for South Derbyshire and the surrounding areas. Local residents, visitors and enquirers from outside the region and from abroad are given every assistance and are equally welcome.

Established in 1987, The Magic Attic was created by local historians who were interested in preserving the fascinating history and heritage of this important industrial area and its surroundings. 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.

The Magic Attic also take their ‘roadshow’ of records and photographs to family and local history exhibitions, and talks on local history can be arranged either at the Attic or other external venues.

A registered charity run completely by volunteers, the Magic Attic is located  in Sharpe’s Pottery Museum building, occupying their rooms on the upper floor, a lift is available if required.

Groups are welcome to come and ‘take a tour’ by prior arrangement.

The current opening hours are:

Mondays: 19:00 – 21:30

Tuesday: 14:00 – 17:00; 19:00 – 21:00

Thursday: 14:00 – 17:00; 19:00 – 21:30