Conversations by the coast: Cromer and its community (Nachanok Wongkhaluang, Thailand, ITP 2025)

Written by Nachanok Wongkhaluang, Curator, Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles (Thailand, ITP 2025)

Friday 1 August 2025, windy and chilly, the Norwich placement group took a journey to Cromer, a Victorian coastal town on the north coast of Norfolk.

There, we walked along the blustery, cloudy coast toward Cromer Museum to meet Dr Leanne Melbourne, Senior Curator for Climate Change and the Dynamic Coast. Leanne took us around the museum, housed in a 1970s building, and shared with us the social history of Cromer, from its natural resources to the people who have long depended on them.

We began in the geology gallery full of fossils and stones found in the chalk bed of Cromer, which offered an understanding of the area’s biodiversity and why Cromer is renowned as one of the most important geological sites in Europe. Alongside these remarkable specimens, we learned about the Deep History Coast project, which embraces the richness and timeless aspect of the coastline. The project promotes the geology of Norfolk’s coast and invites visitors and amateur collectors to contribute to ongoing study, as Norfolk’s coasts are considered one of the places with the richest geological evidence. The project also seeks collaboration with museums beyond Norfolk Museums Service to broaden access and engagement. Recently, their guided coastal trails have received decent reception, with more museums keen to participate. The project, in return, strengthens the sense of belonging and ownership among local people, who now act as storytellers of the region’s history.

We continued through the museum, tracing how nature has shaped Cromer across centuries – transforming it from a resourceful site for early settlers into a bustling Victorian seaside resort and now a modern tourist destination. This journey was told through objects, photographs, the Victorian fisherman’s cottage gallery, and a stunning collection of early 20th-century autochromes by Olive Edis, Norfolk’s remarkable female photographer.

Later, we had a fruitful conversation about another project Leanne is involved with, the Coastwise project. This project focuses on the challenges of coastal transition in Norfolk, particularly the impact of erosion on communities, which works to raise awareness about erosion risks, providing practical guidance on land use, property, and local adaptation. Cromer Museum plays a role in promoting this programme, distributing activity booklets to engage young people in safeguarding the coastline through learning and exploration.

In the afternoon, when the sun decided to finally shine, we planned to walk along the pier and beach to better experience the landscape and meet the community. But before that, there was one essential stop: tasting Cromer crab! “It is very special” Leanne said, “Just like champagne can only come from Champagne, Cromer crab is just like that” and she was absolutely right. The crab was delicious – sweet, delicate, and full of flavour from the nutrient-rich water. The brown meat was rich and creamy, with an oceanic aroma reminding the bond to the sea.  

With full bellies, we made our way down to Cromer Pier, which stretches out into the North Sea. Despite the wind (which was doing its very best to mess with our hair), the pier was buzzing with locals and visitors walking, chatting, and fishing. At the end of the dock, we found a small RNLI museum telling the story of Cromer’s long-standing relationship with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and the brave souls that has always looked after their own community and those passing through. After that, we took a leisurely walk along the beach, passed couples wrapped in scarves, families with young children dipped in the sea, and – perhaps best of all – a parade of adorable dogs being walked! It was one of those unexpected realisations that suddenly tie everything together: the people and the place.

Before heading back, we popped into a small seaside art space just off the promenade. It hosts a local print exhibition titled Print Cromer, featuring work from Norfolk artists. It was moving to see how art became another way of capturing the community’s bond with its environment, and how spaces like this serve as a space for creative voices to speak about place, change, and belonging.

It was a perfect day. One that reminded us that museums don’t stand alone, and neither the communities. Whether through fossils or photographs, rescue boats or crabs, people find ways to tell their stories and connect their past to the present. Cromer, with its wind, waves and wonderfulness, offered all of that and more.