BILLIARDS & SNOOKER HERITAGE COLLECTION
AT THURSTON, LIVERPOOL
The Billiard & Snooker Heritage Collection
(Originally the Norman Clare Museum)
The Billiard & Snooker Heritage Collection (Originally the Norman Clare Museum)
The Billiard & Snooker Collection, housed in the E.A. Clare & Son Ltd building in Liverpool, owes its existence to Norman Clare (son of the founder, E.A. Clare). While acquiring Thurston in the 1960s, Norman spotted an original, full-size wooden bed for a billiard table blocking a window to stop pigeons from entering the works in Cheyne Walk. This discovery sparked his interest in the history and objects related to billiards and snooker.
He subsequently began collecting any items associated with the games; as a result, the collection ranges from sheets of old rules, chalk, and tips to books and even full-sized tables. The collection has hosted many visitors, including television and radio crews, though the majority of visitors are individuals with a personal interest in cue sports. Unlike specialist collectors, the aim of this collection is to preserve as many different pieces of billiard and snooker paraphernalia as possible.
In late 2024, the collection was closed to visitors, and the items were placed in storage due to necessary and extensive building work. Once most of the work was completed in 2026, Peter Clare (Norman’s son) undertook the task of displaying as much of the collection as possible, utilizing both the original display room and two new rooms. In April 2026, Peter Clare welcomed the first visitor to the reinstated collection and personally showed them the exhibits.
Note:- As the Billiard & Snooker Collection is located on the second floor of the E.A. Clare & Son Ltd. offices with accesses only via two staircases. Therefore anyone visiting must be able to climb the two flights of stairs.
The maximum number of visitors is limited to four persons (must be accompanied by a member of staff). Please also give at least 48 hours’ notice of an intended visit by phoning +44(0)151 482 2700. Visit not available at weekends, preferred visiting days Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday between 10am & 3 pm. Monday & Friday by special arrangement.
The Norman Clare Collection, now called the Snooker Heritage Collection, at Thurston, St. Anne Street, Liverpool is probably the largest collection of billiards and snooker memorabilia in the world. Only the Heinrich Weingartner Museum in Vienna compare with it and that is devoted to carom billiards.
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