Benefactors

A legacy for Burnley – Towneley’s museum collections have developed through the generosity of benefactors and the passion of collectors. 

Some benefactors may donate large collections or single objects, while others prefer to donate financially, but they all add to the stories we share.

In his will, Edward Stocks Massey (1850-1909), a local brewer and businessman, left the equivalent of £14m to promote music, arts, science and education. A bequest fund was established in his name, from which  projects across Burnley continue to benefit, including here at Towneley.

Collectors linked to Towneley were passionate about many fields, both artistic and scientific. Sir Herbert Wright (1874-1940) gave Towneley it’s first international natural history specimens, which he collected whilst working at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sri Lanka.