Historic house in Derby becomes Croft Manor to mark a gaming milestone
Pickford's House in Friar Gate is being reimagined as Croft Manor as part of an exhibition celebrating three decades of the Tomb Raider franchise. The show, titled Lara Croft: 30 Years On, opens on Friday and will be free to visit at the city museum.
The exhibition highlights Derby's direct connection to the origins of Lara Croft. The character was created by Core Design when the studio was based on Ashbourne Road, a short distance from the city centre, and the display includes the actual computer used to produce the first five Tomb Raider games.
- Location: Pickford's House, Friar Gate, Derby
- Exhibition name: Lara Croft: 30 Years On
- Admission: Free
A major element of the show is the private collection of video games producer Luke Earle, who has loaned around 400 items. Exhibits span merchandise, mannequins and costumes that chart how Lara Croft evolved from a game character into a wider cultural figure.
"Thirty years on, I don't think anyone could have imagined that the game would have become so popular,"
The displays include period and rare items that underline the franchise's reach beyond gaming: special edition Lucozade 'Larazade' bottles, Japanese promotional posters, correspondence connected to the film adaptations and a 1997 copy of The Face magazine featuring Lara Croft on the cover. These pieces are presented alongside materials that document the local roots of the character's design.
What the exhibition means for Derby
For Derby, the show is both a cultural celebration and a reminder of the city's place in video game history. Lara Croft's link to the area is already visible in the built environment: a section of the inner ring road from Osmaston Road to Burton Road was named Lara Croft Way in 2010, and the city has observed an annual Lara Croft Day since 2021. The Pickford's House exhibition replaces the museum's previous feature, which focused on Dracula.
| Item | Notable detail |
|---|---|
| Luke Earle collection | About 400 items on loan |
| Core Design computer | Used to build the first five Tomb Raider games |
| Memorabilia | Includes magazines, posters and branded bottles |
The museum presents the exhibition as a local 'homecoming' for Lara Croft, emphasising the character's origin in Derbyshire. For residents and visitors interested in the intersection of gaming, popular culture and local history, Pickford's House now offers a focused look at how a character conceived nearby grew into an international icon.
Practical details such as opening hours and the duration of the display have been published by the museum; visitors should consult Pickford's House directly for the latest visitor information.
