History of the Wandsworth Museum

In 1885, Putney Lodge, a late Georgian Mansion house on the West Hill site, became the second public library in London. From the start it was a huge success and a much needed extension was built in 1887. The early library had displays of local interest including locally discovered artefacts.

Putney Lodge had been the home of Mr. Sigismund Rücker, a Wandsworth born businessman, who had a keen interest in Natural History and raised rare orchids as a hobby. As part of his interest with orchids he frequently corresponded with Charles Darwin.  

Mr Rücker died in 1882 and his brother Herman sold the Putney Lodge site in 1884.