Lady Chatterley’s Cover: The Book Designs of Stephen Russ
2026-04-23 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-24 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-25 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-27 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-28 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-29 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-04-30 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-05-01 10:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) and 16 more dates | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
The post-war book designs of artist and teacher, Stephen Russ, are coming to life at Chippenham Museum.
From the forties to the seventies, Russ produced dozens of dust jackets, from striking first editions of Graham Greene at Bodley Head to a wide range of titles at Collins, including nature books and the famous Collins Crime Club.
He is perhaps best known for his work with Penguin, designing covers for the main orange series, the lesser-known music scores, and the highly collectible Penguin Poets series. His phoenix motif for DH Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover became famous during the 1960 obscenity trial and featured in the marketing that helped make the book a bestseller.
The exhibition also celebrates Russ’s thirty-year career as a tutor at the renowned Bath Academy of Art in Corsham, brought together with the generous support of the Russ family and loans from the Penguin Archive and the University of Bristol.

Thursday Craft Club
2026-04-23 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-30 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-07 16:00 - 17:00, 2026-05-14 16:00 - 17:00 | Chippenham Museum, 9-10 Market Pl, Chippenham, SN15 3HF, United Kingdom
Calling all 8 to 11 year olds! Join Chippenham Museum and get creative in our new Thursday Craft Club. Inspired by the history of the town and the Museum’s collection, take part and learn new skills while having lots of messy fun.
Starting on Thursday 16 April, this club runs from 4pm to 5pm every Thursday during term time. All materials are provided, and sessions cost £4 each, payable on a termly basis.
Places are limited, so booking is essential. Please see below for the scheduled sessions and termly costs.
Term 5, Thursday 16 April – Thursday 21 May
Term cost of 6 weekly sessions: £24
Term 6, Thursday 4 June – Thursday 16 July
Term cost of 7 weekly sessions: £28
Weekly Thursdays, term time only
4pm – 5pm
£4 per session, to be paid termly
To find out about membership, contact the Museum on heritage@chippenham.gov.uk

Wartime Britain
2026-05-09 10:00 - 16:30, 2026-05-10 10:00 - 16:30 | REME Museum, Calne Road, MOD Lyneham, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 4XX, United Kingdom
Mark your calendar for the REME Museum’s annual re-enactment and living history event Wartime Britain on 9 – 10 May 2026!
This weekend always promises to be an amazing day out exploring the equipment, military life and home front culture experienced by many during World War II. Every year the event gets bigger and better, with more re-enactment groups and exciting performances.
Visit this Victory-worthy 1940s event featuring:

1940s costume and decoration
Re-enactors and living history groups telling the stories of those who lived, served and fought in WW2
WW2-era vehicles from the museum’s Reserve Vehicle Collection, private collectors and enthusiasts around the country
‘Live’ demonstrations of WW2 equipment, including firearms, munitions and more (subject to groups attending and availability of equipment)
Wartime musical performances from Jayne Darling
1940s dance performances and opportunities to join in with White Horse Swing

Refreshments will be available to purchase from Crown’s Café, which will only be open to visitors with a ticket to the event.
Free parking will be available in the museum’s large car park, visitors are asked to please reserve a parking space if you need one in advance. Blue Badge spaces are available on a first-come-first-served basis and you must have reserved a parking space online. If you can, please consider travelling by alternative means.
Dogs are welcome on the museum grounds but are not allowed inside the building, with the exception of assistance dogs.
Please be aware that during the Wartime Britain event, there may be loud noises from ‘live’-firing of firearms which could scare dogs visiting. Check the schedule and event map on the day to make preparations for these times.
