When Watford opened its library at the end of the 19th Century, the collection of items began.

This included art, archaeology and items illustrating the town’s social history. Two hundred objects were given to the museum on opening in 1981 and over the next 30 years, the museum has actively collected material to encompass and celebrate Watford’s wide history.

A new exhibition, New Acquisitions from the Watford Museum Collection, explores the museum’s wonderful art collection and focuses on art which has been added to it in the past five years, many of which will be on display to the public for the very first time. These include a painting of Little Cassiobury by Caroline Vernon, purchased in 2011, and two paintings of the West Herts Golf Club donated by Don Bailey MBE in 2013.

As well as the opportunity to view the artwork, there will also be a talk on the acquisition process employed by accredited museums and a look at some of the collection management challenges faced by Watford Museum.

These will be followed by a practical demonstration of object labelling and marking techniques by Luke Clark, museum collections officer on February 8 at 2.30pm.

  • Space2 Gallery, Watford Museum, Lower High Street, Watford, January 9 to March 1. Details: 01923 232297, watfordmuseum.org.uk