To provide you with the best experience, cookies are used on this site. Find out more here.

Allow cookies

Flower Makers' Museum

58a High Street, Hastings, E Sussex, TN34 3EN

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 19 reviews19 reviews
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44(0)1424 427793

Add Flower Makers' Museum to your Itinerary

From £1.00
Flower Makers' Museum

About

The Shirley Leaf & Petal Company, an extraordinary family business which dates back over 110 years, can be found in Hastings Old Town. Despite its humble surroundings, the company has an extraordinary global reputation as a leading supplier of artificial flower and plant props for film, theatre and television productions.

In the basement of the old pharmacist building, the Flower Makers' Museum displays thousands of original company tools of the trade, machines and fabrics which are still in use to this day. Approximately 10,000 cutting tools and flower irons can be seen reproduced from moulds made from casts of leaves from all around the world.

All the samples on display are company originals, as are the old clocking-on machine, bridal headresses (including an R.A.F. pearl tiara), correspondence from the 1920s, Union Jack apple leaves and spools of raw thread used for bindings. It's here that you'll find out about the company's impressive client list and samples of work dating back through the decades. 

The Shirley Leaf & Petal Company's reputation among costume and set designers is spread worldwide by word of mouth. The owner, diminutive Brenda Wilson, and her staff produced the rose petals for Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' and the giant wisteria for the set of the Broadway and West End production ‘Frozen the Musical’. Lady Gaga’s costumes and royal outfits such as one worn at a recent royal christening, all bear examples of the team’s work. 

Workshops

In Victorian and Edwardian days, artificial flowers made from velvets, silks and satins adorned the ladies' ball gowns, whilst waxed flowers were used for bridal occasions. 

Now you too can learn from the professional! Brenda is offering workshops to anyone wanting to learn some of her extraordinary skills. Using vintage fabrics and artificial flowers and leaves, learn to make something special for a loved one’s wedding outfit or special occasion. An original gift for a special friend or relative. Workshop prices start at £25 for an hour and a half. Small groups or individuals. Enquire at the shop on 01424 427793.

 

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Museum£1.00 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only. For further information please visit the website.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      16
    • Very Good
      3
    • Average
      0
    • Poor
      0
    • Terrible
      0

    Recent Reviews:

    • Graham C
      London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Friends getaway
      More a workshop than a museum.
      5 of 5 stars
      Friday, 24th January 2020
      This museum consists of two small rooms in the basement of the shop and is more of a workshop/storage space than a museum. However it is fascinating and you will not find anywhere like it in any... Read full review
    • amberlivesindreams
      Greater London, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Solo travel
      fabulous
      5 of 5 stars
      Tuesday, 18th May 2021
      The world need more shops like this. Contains an artificial flower making museum in the basement. Worth a visit Read full review
    • kylechrisflynn
      Norwich, United Kingdom
      Trip Type:
      Couples
      Beautiful and Unique
      5 of 5 stars
      Saturday, 21st August 2021
      So lovely and so unique! The woman running the shop was so kind and easy to talk to. She had such interesting stories and the shop itself is just beautiful to see and look around, then the museum... Read full review

    Map & Directions

    Opening Times

    2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
    DayTimes
    Monday - Saturday10:00 - 16:00*
    SundayClosed*
    Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change

    What's Nearby

    1. With 30+ vineyards across Kent & Sussex their private tours will take you to some of the…

      0.01 miles away
    2. Immerse yourself in history with a bespoke tour of Hastings.

      0.06 miles away
    3. An exciting adventure for all the family as you explore the sandstone wonders of St…

      0.06 miles away
    1. Located between High Street and The Bourne, Hastings History House is the headquarters of…

      0.06 miles away
    2. Try your hand at the penny machines and crane grabbers at Hastings' Flamingo Amusements.

      0.08 miles away
    3. The Lifeboat Station is located at The Stade in Hastings Old Town – right next to the…

      0.12 miles away
    4. A former fishermen's church by the old net shops, now a museum on local fishing with ship…

      0.2 miles away
    5. The United Kingdom's steepest funicular railway is not only a structure of national…

      0.21 miles away
    6. A heritage funicular railway on Hastings' West Hill.

      0.21 miles away
    7. Hastings Adventure Golf is the UK home of Miniature Golf and features no less than 3,…

      0.22 miles away
    8. The Shipwreck Museum, situated in the historic Old Town of Hastings, contains a truly…

      0.22 miles away
    9. Located in the heart of Hastings Old Town, Blue Reef Hastings is home to over 3,500…

      0.24 miles away
    10. A Theatre and Art Gallery in Hastings' Old Town. The theatre is open all year round and…

      0.26 miles away
    11. Take a step back in time and discover the fascinating history of Britain’s first Norman…

      0.26 miles away
    12. Fun for everyone at this classic seaside amuseuments.

      0.26 miles away
    Previous Next
    1066 Country of Origin Original by nature
    Back to Top

    My Planner

    Nothing added yet! Explore the site to create your personal itinerary.

    Don't Miss

    • Accommodation

    • Things to See & Do

    • What's On

    • Food & Drink

    Accommodation Search

    Check Availability
    Arrival Date:
    Add Room
    Type:
    Area:
    Location
    Keyword:

    Things to Do Search

    Type:
    Area:
    Location
    Keyword:

    What's On Search

    Dates
    Type:
    Area:
    Location
    Keyword:

    Food & Drink Search

    Type:
    Area:
    Location
    Keyword:

    Shopping Search

    Type:
    Area:
    Location
    Keyword: