Bath at Work Museum

While a little hard to find initially, the Bath at Work Museum was definitely worth the effort. Founded thirty eight years ago, this museum traces the commercial and industrial development of the city through two thousand years of history. The building that houses the museum was a former Real (read Royal) Tennis Court dating back to 1777. The center piece is a complete reconstruction of the engineering and mineral water factories of J.B.Bowler (founded in 1864), including its offices and workshops. And some of the machines still work! We thoroughly enjoyed seeing this museum, especially the 1914 Hortsman car, the earliest example in the world of a "kickstart" vehicle. The museum staff were very friendly and helpful, giving us tips about what to look for and making sure we did not miss anything (there are a lot of things to see here).

​If if you would like further information about this museum, please go to www.bath-at-work.org.uk

Tucked away at the back of a church parking lot, is the Bath at Work Museum. In 1777, this building was a Royal Tennis Court.

The museum faithfully reconstructs the complete J.B.Bowler engineering factory.

Some of the machines still work and visitors are encouraged to turn them on.

Also recreated is the mineral water factory , also owned by Bowler...

...including this chemistry lab for creating the mineral water flavors.

Advertising posters for the Bowler Company.

Following the closing of the company in 1969, a trust fund was set up to save everything, including this mineral water factory office.