The Stephens Collection

We store our archives and hold many of our meetings at Stephens House (formerly known as Avenue House). You can find more information on the House and its Gardens here.

We established the Stephens Collection there. Henry “Inky” Stephens bought Avenue House in 1874, altered and extended it, adding, among other things, a laboratory, where he carried out his experiments in writing fluid. Over the years many old writing implements, ink, etc. have been collected and now a small museum has been created displaying these artefacts. There are also items relating to the Stephens family. The Collection has received a commendation from the Writing History Society.

In early 2018 the Collection moved to a new location in the new Visitor Centre at Stephens House and Gardens. You can find more information about visiting the Stephens Collection here.