Routes, Networks and Connections!

Visit Catalyst FREE OF CHARGE on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September as part of the National Heritage Open Day Events.

Visit Catalyst and explore the routes, networks and connections that link this once industrial area with the local community!

150 years ago, the area surrounding Catalyst was a hive of activity. Ambitious industrialists transformed the local area into a major centre for the chemical industry, which led the way for the rest of the country.

In the late 19^th century the area was dominated by huge factories. The canal and wet dock area were busy with boats carrying cargo, as were the trains on the railways that criss-crossed Spike Island. The site was an excellent location for chemical factories since it was close to sources of raw materials such as salt from Cheshire and limestone from Derbyshire. Industrialist John Hutchinson spotted the area’s potential early on, making the most of the transport links. The building that is now Catalyst was built to house a laboratory and offices for his two chemical factories on Spike Island. Years later the building was bought by William Gossage of Gossages Soap Works, once the largest soap works in Britain!

During the early 20^th century, many of the chemical factories in Widnes closed down when processes were relocated or became obsolete and the area became derelict. In 1975 however, Halton Borough Council began reclaiming the area and by 1982 Spike Island was transformed into the green open space you see today. Now, the woodlands, grasslands and watersides are an important haven for wildlife and a place for people to enjoy the countryside.

Come and take part in a guided walk, explore the routes and connections across the local area and see some fascinating artefacts, reminders of the once busy industrial site. Visit Judith and her team in our Gossage Room where you’ll find a selection of rarely seen artefacts from our archive collection. Discover the connections between the local industry, the soap works and the families in our local community.

If that’s not enough, you can explore the Interactive gallery with a host of hands-on exhibits or learn about the history of the local area in our Birth of an Industry and Baker Galleries. You can marvel at the 360 degree views from our glass-walled rooftop Observatory Gallery where we will be hosting Runcorn and Widnes Historical Societies and representatives from the Daniel Adamson Steamship!

You may even wish to make your very own bar of soap to take home or take part in our interactive Light Fantastic Show – fabulous for all the family! (Please note, there is a small charge for the Soap workshop and the Light Show)

Of course, you can also browse the museum shop or stop for a tasty snack or drink from the Catalyst Café whilst admiring the views of Spike Island and the Mersey Gateway Bridge!