Accompanying the regular exhibitions since 1976 is a collection of images and crafts by local and national artists such as Augustus and Gwen John.

[1] At the beginning of January 1878, a meeting of a like-minded group of would-be trustees of a proposed museum was held at 10 The Norton, Tenby, the home of one of their members, Charles Allen.

It was the wish of the group to house and display the collection of valuable geological specimens formerly belonging to the late Rev.

In February 1878, the Tenby Town Council, presided over by Alderman Charles Allen, passed a resolution to grant the trustees permission to rent the school building at the cost of one shilling per annum for the purpose of forming a permanent museum.

The council had no wish to become involved in any other expenditure and therefore the costs of refurbishing the building and administering a museum were to be met by the trustees.

His estimate being accepted, John set about repairing the roof, guttering, windows, doorways, and staircases, together with plastering and some redecoration.

Yet, a letter to the Tenby Observer of 3 January 1878 written by one ‘SGP’ of Bristol (subsequently identified as one Samuel Purchase) indicates a note of caution was being urged with regard to the administration of the proposed museum and the safeguarding of its collection.