Museums and galleries
Heritage Open Days: Go behind the scenes at Walsall Council venues this September
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Heritage Open Days, England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture returns this September, with a rare chance to go behind the scenes at a number of places and venues run by Walsall Council.
On Saturday 9 September Walsall Leather Museum will open its huge collection of historic photographs and trade catalogues documenting the town’s famous trade. The Museum’s reference library, which features a collection of books on all things leather, will also be open without appointment. Visitors are encouraged to bring along any photographs they may have of the Walsall leather industry and share any memories with the venue.
The New Art Gallery Walsall is offering tours of their Collections Store on Saturday 16 September. Led by Collections Curator, Julie Brown, you will be able to see how thousands of artworks are stored when not on display, and learn about aspects of the collections management process. Furthermore, the Gallery are offering the opportunity for visitors to make special requests to see particular works or areas of interest. Due to limited numbers allowed in the Store at one time, this event must be booked in advance.
Also on Saturday 16 September, Willenhall Community Library will be opening up the Council Chamber Room on their first floor. Open only once a year, this municipal building was the headquarters of Willenhall Urban District Council before the area became part of the county borough of Walsall in 1966. The imposing Council Chamber Room has maintained its original period features including ornate stained glass doors. The room will include displays highlighting the local area as well as a selection of traditional children’s games.
“ Heritage Open Days is a wonderful festival that allows people to discover treasures on their doorstep and explore the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them. We hope the festival highlights that there is so much in Walsall for both residents and visitors to see. “
Discover the full Heritage Open Days programme across England at www.heritageopendays.org.uk
ENDS.
Notes to Editors
Hidden Treasures – Walsall Leather Museum
Saturday 9 September 2023, 11am – 3pm. Free, drop-in.
Walsall Leather Museum, Littleton Street West, Walsall. WS2 8EW
Find out more at: https://www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum
Collections Store Tour – The New Art Gallery Walsall
Saturday 16 September 2023, 11.30am-12.30pm & 2.30-3.30pm
The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Square, Walsall. WS2 8LG
The Gallery is free to visit, but the tour must be booked in advance due to limited numbers. Book here:
https://thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk/event/heritage-open-days-collections-store-tour/
The Council Chamber Room - Willenhall Community Library
Saturday 16 September, 10am-4pm. Free, drop-in.
Willenhall Community Library, Walsall Street, Willenhall. WV13 2EX
Find out more at:
https://go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-libraries/our-libraries/willenhall-district-library
Heritage Open Days
8-17 September 2023
England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Discover the full programme at: www.heritageopendays.org.uk
