London Sewing Machine Museum

This museum doesn’t just have any old sewing machines, as some of the items on display have belonged to royalty, like the one gifted to Queen Victoria’s daughter for her wedding. Another highlight is the very first Singer sewing machine.

There are around 700 in total exhibited in glass cabinets, the focus being on domestic sewing machines dating from 1829-1885 and industrial sewing machines made between 1850-1950. The centrepiece of the display is the sewing machine made for Queen Victoria's oldest daughter on the occasion of her wedding, while the oldest machine on show is a rare Thimmonier wooden sewing machine, treadle operated and still in working order.

Built up over 40 years by one man, Ray Rushton, the collection is one of the most extensive and best of its kind in the world and is something of a mecca for sewing enthusiasts, as well as sewing machine collectors.

As the museum is located in the same building as the Wimbledon Sewing Machine Company you’re also able to buy needles, thread, thimbles and any other haberdashery items during your visit.