Heath Robinson Museum
Heath Robinson Museum
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-4pm this stylish purpose-built museum dedicated to the life and work of William Heath Robinson has become a focal point in Pinner's beautiful Memorial Park. Heath Robinson (1872-1944) was a renowned landscape artist, cartoonist, illustrator and social historian. Much loved as the "Gadget King" for his pictures of complex contraptions designed to achieve the simplest of outcomes, his work retains huge resonance with our modern world. With a rolling programme of themed Special Exhibitions complementing the main Heath Robinson Gallery, this beautifully-curated small museum is a must-see for all ages. A short walk from Pinner Tube (Met Line) with ample parking, make it a day out: enjoy the park with its tree-lined walkways, secure well-equipped children's play area, have a coffee overlooking the lake and visit shops, cafes and restaurants in Pinner's village and historic High Street . Changing temporary exhibitions run for three months.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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- Pinner • 5 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
69 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
23
Average
5
Poor
3
Terrible
0
keith h
Chesham, UK928 contributions
Apr 2022
A small but really excellent little museum situated next to West House in Pinner Memorial Park. The modern building is purpose built.
I must say that my knowledge of Heath Robinson was confined to images of his wacky machines but this museum really opened my eyes to how much more there was to the man. He was prolific & his artwork is exquisite , ranging through illustrations of children's books , his instantly recognizable strange machines & more surprisingly , some dark drawings of Rabelais work , Pantagruel.
He also Co wrote humorous books & was employed to work on many adverts.
His comedic pictures of the two world wars , although tackling a serious subject , are infused with humour.
We spent about 2 hours looking at the permanent exhibits & a special showing of some of his children's artwork. Different exhibitions are held at intervals.
The staff were very helpful , pleasant & knowledable.
Good shop with many of his books for sale.
Toilet available in shop.
Word of warning. The small car park is council run & although the first half hour parking is free , every hour after is charged at £1 to a limit of 4 hours. All very well but if you read the small print it states that you cannot " top up " so if you pay for 2 hrs you have to leave or risk a fine when time is up. Whether you could drive out , come back in & ticket again , I don't know but I didn't risk it but drove down to Chapel Lane car park at the other end of the park.
Entrapment , in my opinion.
I must say that my knowledge of Heath Robinson was confined to images of his wacky machines but this museum really opened my eyes to how much more there was to the man. He was prolific & his artwork is exquisite , ranging through illustrations of children's books , his instantly recognizable strange machines & more surprisingly , some dark drawings of Rabelais work , Pantagruel.
He also Co wrote humorous books & was employed to work on many adverts.
His comedic pictures of the two world wars , although tackling a serious subject , are infused with humour.
We spent about 2 hours looking at the permanent exhibits & a special showing of some of his children's artwork. Different exhibitions are held at intervals.
The staff were very helpful , pleasant & knowledable.
Good shop with many of his books for sale.
Toilet available in shop.
Word of warning. The small car park is council run & although the first half hour parking is free , every hour after is charged at £1 to a limit of 4 hours. All very well but if you read the small print it states that you cannot " top up " so if you pay for 2 hrs you have to leave or risk a fine when time is up. Whether you could drive out , come back in & ticket again , I don't know but I didn't risk it but drove down to Chapel Lane car park at the other end of the park.
Entrapment , in my opinion.
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John F
Buckinghamshire, UK484 contributions
Aug 2021
We saw the museum on Michael Portillo's TV programme. We live close to Pinner, but had never heard of this museum.
If you live locally, it is well worth a visit. Maybe, because the exhibits are limited, you shouldn't travel too far.
The booking is annoying (compulsory "voluntary" addition to ticket price as well as a booking fee) - but there is a reasonably priced public car park for Pinner Memorial Park. From there it is a short walk through the park (past a charming duck pond) to the modern museum building.
It isn't very large! A small collection of posters is well presented in a comfortable, air conditioned space.
The staff are very helpful. There were no other visitors when we went (on a Saturday afternoon). Don't rush around the exhibits otherwise you'll be in and out in 10 minutes.
If you live locally, it is well worth a visit. Maybe, because the exhibits are limited, you shouldn't travel too far.
The booking is annoying (compulsory "voluntary" addition to ticket price as well as a booking fee) - but there is a reasonably priced public car park for Pinner Memorial Park. From there it is a short walk through the park (past a charming duck pond) to the modern museum building.
It isn't very large! A small collection of posters is well presented in a comfortable, air conditioned space.
The staff are very helpful. There were no other visitors when we went (on a Saturday afternoon). Don't rush around the exhibits otherwise you'll be in and out in 10 minutes.
Written August 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RandonneurLondon
London, UK87 contributions
Nov 2021
I had seen the main Heath Robinson gallery before, but come back to see the Korky Park exhibition. It is absolutely stunning and so well-curated, with quirky little questions at child height and so much material. There is also a changing projection of pages from books which aren't featured in the pictures on the walls. I understand that this is the first time Korky Paul has allowed his original drawings to be exhibited and although I wasn't very familiar with his work, I was blown away by its quality and inventiveness. It's worth going back several times, as you see new things each time.
Written November 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pete R
2 contributions
Jun 2022
I had not realised that there was such a thing as the Heath Robinson museum, but on discovering through an article on the Beeb that such a thing did exist, I planned a visit. There was a Heath Robinson art exhibition on, as well as the normal 'fixed' set up. I found the art exhibition a lot easier on my eyes etc, and preferred that part of the visit, as there was no bending and squinting at stuff that was a little too small for me to easily see.
Whilst everyone knows about the wacky images that Heath Robinson is justly famous for, it was interesting to see that there was a LOT more to the guy. Although I have to say that I prefer the wacky part of his output!
Whilst everyone knows about the wacky images that Heath Robinson is justly famous for, it was interesting to see that there was a LOT more to the guy. Although I have to say that I prefer the wacky part of his output!
Written June 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Philip M
London, UK785 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I have been fascinated, since childhood, by the illustrations and cartoons of William Heath Robinson, especially his over elaborate machines for doing the simplest of tasks. The term "Heath Robinson" is still in my vocabulary to describe something randomly put together. So to discover that there was a museum dedicated to William Heath Robinson was quite exciting!
This wonderful museum is only small, with three gallery rooms and a shop. Two of the rooms are dedicated to the work and illustrations of Heath Robinson and the third, when we visited, had a special temporary exhibition on another London 20th century illustrator, Charles Keeping.
This is a modern little museum set in set in a park with cafe, lake and children's play area.
The exhibits were well presented in the galleries with plenty of useful and informative display notes. I learnt a lot from my visit. For instance, I had not realised that Heath Robinson did many other types of illustration besides his cartoons, I learnt that he illustrated the "Water Babies", a book I had in childhood. Also his World War 1 propaganda cartoons were poignant.
The staff were very welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. This museum is well worth a visit (one hour is all that is needed).
This wonderful museum is only small, with three gallery rooms and a shop. Two of the rooms are dedicated to the work and illustrations of Heath Robinson and the third, when we visited, had a special temporary exhibition on another London 20th century illustrator, Charles Keeping.
This is a modern little museum set in set in a park with cafe, lake and children's play area.
The exhibits were well presented in the galleries with plenty of useful and informative display notes. I learnt a lot from my visit. For instance, I had not realised that Heath Robinson did many other types of illustration besides his cartoons, I learnt that he illustrated the "Water Babies", a book I had in childhood. Also his World War 1 propaganda cartoons were poignant.
The staff were very welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful. This museum is well worth a visit (one hour is all that is needed).
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan S
Stoke Mandeville, UK176 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
I hate leaving a negative review of such a niche museum, but it could be so much more.
It represents a man who was so clever and amusing and yet the museum really lacks creativity.
I understand that two items were out of use due to covid, but even so.
I tend to spend many hours in museums but try as I might this was finished in under an hour.
I just feel it doesn't pay sufficient testament to Heath Robinson
It represents a man who was so clever and amusing and yet the museum really lacks creativity.
I understand that two items were out of use due to covid, but even so.
I tend to spend many hours in museums but try as I might this was finished in under an hour.
I just feel it doesn't pay sufficient testament to Heath Robinson
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen J M
London, UK5 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
Lovely small exhibition space set in parkland. I have known Charles Keeping and his family for many years and this exhibition brought back happy memories for me.
This is a series of pictures that will be enjoyed by all age groups, wonderful illustrations, sometimes dark, sometimes joyful, but all quite amazing! and I urge you to visit.
This is a series of pictures that will be enjoyed by all age groups, wonderful illustrations, sometimes dark, sometimes joyful, but all quite amazing! and I urge you to visit.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hilary d
London, UK696 contributions
Sep 2020
Another post lockdown visit to a different museum(we might be heading for another,so trying to get out while I can!although it took me longer to get there than I was in the museum,it was still worth the trip!its a lovely collection and the staff were really helpful and friendly.sat in the park to eat my lunch before the rain came!bye bye summer!
Written September 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ralphPinner
Pinner49 contributions
Aug 2018
An interesting new, little museum. Grandchildren loved turning the handles and pressing the buttons on all the moving displays. Activity area was a good idea and was full of children on the day we went due to the inclement weather - could have been a little more organised, but I think they just weren’t prepared for the numbers. Staff were extremely friendly and welcoming, couldn’t do enough for you really.
Word if warning - It was heavy rain when we arrived and our wet shoes made the polished concrete floor very slippery, my 5-year-old granddaughter slipped over twice in the space of 30 seconds of arrival and she was wearing trainers. Thank goodness it wasn’t an elderly person.
Word if warning - It was heavy rain when we arrived and our wet shoes made the polished concrete floor very slippery, my 5-year-old granddaughter slipped over twice in the space of 30 seconds of arrival and she was wearing trainers. Thank goodness it wasn’t an elderly person.
Written August 18, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ralph, Thank You for the review and for raising this issue with us, as you say it was an extremely wet day. We take health and safety seriously and following your visit we have reinforced with our front-of-house volunteers that, in such conditions, they should point out our “Caution - Wet Floor” sign(s) as visitors arrive. We have also taken advice and are looking at absorbent matting. We hope you can come again on a nice day and see the museum, the park and the lake in the sunshine.
Written August 26, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara S
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Families & art lovers both should take a Sunday day-out to the NW suburbs of London - 25min on the Metropolitan tube line. I've put off visits in past UK trips but this time a special exhibition on book and magazine illustrators of "The Beardsley Generation" motivated me to go. The approach to the museum is a lovely park, with rock garden, pond, playground, parakeet aviary, ducks, swans, and a very good cafe. The adjacent museum is small (2 large rooms) but a superbly curated display of painter/illustrator/cartoonist/author Heath Robinson & his 2 artist siblings. The kids will love his drawings of incredible contraptions. The special exhibit was an extraordinary coverage of the explosion of book and magazine illustration in British publishing in the 1890s, with over 20 artists represented and thorough written biographies on their significance, as well as technical, historical and influential context. Truly ambitious little museum! And Pinner has functioning Tudor buildings dating from the 1580s that are sure to fascinate. Highly recommended. A highlight of this trip, and I travel to London 3-5 times per year.
Written April 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed your visit.
Written April 21, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Heath Robinson Museum (Pinner) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Heath Robinson Museum
- Heath Robinson Museum is open:
- Thu - Sun 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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