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West Midlands

This section covers museum collections in the ceremonial counties of Cheshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

Herefordshire

Herefordshire Museum Service

They say 'We operate five sites across Herefordshire, plus a roving Museum on the Move. We also support independent museums throughout the county via our museum development officer.'


Shropshire

Shropshire Museums

They say 'We run five museum sites across the Shropshire Council area, as well as a museum resource centre. They are homes for artefacts, specimens and memories donated by the local community for future generations to enjoy and learn from.'


Staffordshire

The Brampton Museum and Art Gallery

They say 'Hidden in Brampton Park less than half a mile from the town centre lies Newcastle-Under-Lyme’s local history museum featuring over 2000 years of Borough history. Set in beautiful parkland the Museum and Art Gallery has something for everyone. Alongside our temporary exhibitions programme we have galleries depicting the rich and diverse history of the area using our amazing collections.'

 

The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

Travel back in time and discover the history of The Potteries including the world's greatest collection of Staffordshire ceramics, a World War II Spitfire, decorative arts and natural history. See items from the Staffordshire Hoard on display and visit the museum café and shop.

 

Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum

Visit the family home that inspired a literary giant. Best known for his Dictionary of the English Language, Samuel Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life in this atmospheric Grade I listed trader's townhouse, now a Museum to his life and times.

 

Staffordshire County Museum

They say 'We have a collection of over 28,000 social history objects, 40,000 photographs and 1,800 items of fine and decorative art, which covers 200 years of Staffordshire history.'

 

Tamworth Castle

They say 'Step back in time through 900 years of history in Tamworth Castle. Wander the chambers and hallways of this unique building and get a real sense of how the Saxons, Normans, Tudors and Victorians spent their time in the castle.'


Warwickshire

The Coventry Music Museum

They say 'There’s lots to see and to do, including activities to interest and delight younger visitors, and a studio in which visitors can try their hand (and ears) at composing and music-making.'

 

Coventry Transport Museum

They say 'Coventry is the birthplace of the British cycle and motor industry. Discover the fascinating story behind the development of road transport from the earliest cycles to the fastest cars on earth. With thrills, nostalgia and inspiration, join us on a surprising and emotional journey through 150 years of innovation and find out about the people who made it happen.'

 

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry

They say 'we aim to bring history and the arts to people's lives.'

 

Leamington Spa Art Gallery and Museum

They say 'Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum provides opportunities for everyone to benefit from, enjoy and participate in the creation, interpretation and preservation of the Arts and Heritage.'

 

Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery

They say 'We offer an inspiring and engaging programme of exhibitions, events and activities that will appeal to a wide range of visitors. We have permanent exhibitions related to Local History, Fine Art and local writer George Eliot.'

 

The Phil Silvers Archival Museum

They say 'Located in Coventry's popular niche shopping and crafts centre Fargo Village, the museum is the realisation of the ambition of The British Phil Silvers Appreciation Society to open a permanent exhibition dedicated to the late great Phil Silvers.'

 

Rugby Art Gallery & Museum

They say 'We aim to inspire and engage all our visitors with exciting exhibitions of contemporary and modern art and vibrant displays from our museum collections of Roman and local social history objects.'

 

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

They say 'The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has a long and famous tradition of welcoming visitors from across the globe to Stratford-upon-Avon on a personal journey to discover where Shakespeare lived and his legacy continues.'

 

University of Warwick

They say 'The Classics Department at Warwick is one of the best in the UK. Its international reputation rests on its innovative and intensive teaching and on research which continues to open up new aspects of Greco-Roman antiquity and its importance in later history.'

 

Warwickshire Museum

They say 'Originally founded in 1836 by the Warwickshire Natural History and Archaeological Society, the Museum Service has been run by Warwickshire County Council since 1932.'


West Midlands

Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham

They say 'The Barber Institute of Fine Arts is housed in one of Birmingham’s finest Art Deco buildings, purpose built and opened by Queen Mary in 1939.'

 

Birmingham Assay Office

They say 'Birmingham Assay Office was founded by an Act of Parliament in 1773. It had become clear by this time to the silversmiths of Birmingham, especially Matthew Boulton, that their trade would never truly prosper without an Office of their own. Boulton lobbied Parliament vigorously and was finally rewarded by the Hallmarking Act 1773, which founded the Birmingham Assay Office.'

 

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

They say 'Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) first opened in 1885. It is housed in a Grade II listed city centre landmark building. There are over 40 galleries to explore that display art, applied art, social history, archaeology and ethnography.'

 

Black Country Living Museum

They say 'Our award-winning corner of the West Midlands is now one of the finest and largest open-air museums in the United Kingdom. After very humble beginnings, a bright idea and 40 years of inspiration, this is twenty six acres worth exploring.'

 

Walsall Museum Service

They say 'Dedicated to the history of Walsall, the museum is home to a wide-ranging collection of artefacts reflecting Walsall’s proud heritage, its many industries, and the lives of the people who lived here. In particular the museum houses the nationally important ‘Hodson Shop’ collection of twentieth century working clothing.'

 

Wolverhampton Art Gallery

They say 'See permanent displays dedicated to key periods in history alongside regularly changing exhibitions that embrace painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, multi-media, and more. From grand paintings by 18th century greats, to thought provoking contemporary pieces, there’s always something new to discover.'


Worcestershire

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum

They say 'Worcester's principal art gallery and museum hosts a unique programme of contemporary art exhibitions, as well as housing a historic picture collection and an intriguing selection of objects ranging from a 19th century chemist's shop to the wonderful Regimental Museum.'

 

Worcestershire County Museum

They say 'From costume to caravans, travel to toys there really is something for everyone at Worcestershire County Museum. Learn more about this fascinating county, explore the past through room sets and real historical objects and discover just what life was like for our ancestors.'