The Layton Collection

Thomas Layton collected books, coins, and archaeological items (usually described as ‘antiquities’) for 70 years. In that time he had accumulated what has been described as “probably the largest collection of London antiquities ever amassed by a single individual”.

5,200 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts including items from UK, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Peru and N. America.

A remarkable collection of 3,500 coins, tokens and medals - Roman, Greek, Indian, American and British.

4,000 maps and prints and 150 framed prints, maps and paintings.

8,000 from the 16th century to 19th century, remain in the collection, together with a small collection of manuscripts and some of Layton's personal papers.

Thomas Layton lived in Brentford, Middlesex between 1826 and 1911... read more

Download a walk through Victorian Brentford and discover some of Layton's legacy

Discover materials for primary school teachers and students

Purchase a beautifully illustrated book by Mike Galer, called Layton's Legacy.