Open Thu to Sun 12pm to 5.30pm (last entry time 5 pm)

ABOUT

" Best £3 I’ve spent all year! Fantastic museum – I’m telling all my friends to visit! "

★ ABOUT EEL PIE MUSEUM ★

The history of Eel Pie Island tells a fascinating and varied story. From the role it played in the RnB boom of the 60s to its historical boatyards, maverick characters and pioneering spirit of inventive creativity, these fabulous stories are told in the museum, not just on its walls, but also from the first-hand experience of some of its superb volunteers.

★ MUSIC HERITAGE

A phenomenal array of bands, many of which are now household names, graced the stage in the run-down ballroom of the Eel Pie Hotel between 1956 – 1970. Many thousands flocked there to soak up the sonic delights of trad jazz, blues, RnB, psychedelic rock…finding a freedom to discover themselves whilst dancing to a soundtrack supplied by the Rolling Stones, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Eric Clapton and many more.

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" I never knew so many famous bands played on Eel Pie Island! "

" Brilliant history, beautifully put together "

★ BOATYARDS

Boatyards have been a major part of Eel Pie Island’s landscape for well over a century. With a cast of pioneering characters providing the backbone of resources and knowledge necessary in maintaining the Thames as a working river, the stories behind the island’s boatyards have remained largely untold up until now. From 1893 to the present day the islands boatyards have built and maintained many vessels that float on London’s mighty river.

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" Such a wonderful educational experience "

★ INVENTION & CREATIVITY

Eel Pie Island has long held an attraction to creative types, from the community of artists established in the late 1980s to the famous ‘Clockwork Radio’ inventor Trevor Baylis, who was a notable island resident up until he passed away in 2018. His self-built house, complete with indoor pool, jacuzzi overlooking the river in his back garden and workshop where he invented his famous radio, was once a notorious hot-spot for wild parties as well as a hive of invention.

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OUR STORY

" Fabulous museum with very knowledgeable staff"

The Eel Pie Island Museum was officially opened by Don Craine, of the Downliners Sect, and inventor Trevor Baylis in February 2018. It has since welcomed thousands of visitors from all over the world – some on a trip down memory lane, revisiting the days of their youth, some discovering anew the wealth of fascinating tales this little island has to offer.


The museum is the result of years of research, dedication and passion by the team who turned a semi-derelict space into the vibrant, welcoming celebration of all things ‘Eel Pie’ that you see today.

HISTORY & CURATOR
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