Tamworth Castle Museum is inviting residents and visitors to two free Heritage Open Days events at its pop-up museum and art gallery in Ankerside Shopping Centre.
Visitors will be able to see original archive documents and photographs on Thursday 17 September, followed by a dragon-inspired clay workshop on Saturday 19 September. Both events run from 10am to 2pm and do not require booking.
New material from Tamworth Castle archives
The first event, Archives Access: Tamworth Castle Archives, will display material recently added to the castle collections, including documents and photographs being made available to the public for the first time.
Museum staff and volunteers will be available to discuss the exhibits, answer questions about Tamworth's history and help visitors explore particular parts of the town's past. Appointments can also be arranged to view specific items held in the archives.
Dragon-inspired clay workshop
On Saturday 19 September, Dragon Designs: Clay Workshop will offer a free drop-in activity inspired by a Victorian Gibbs & Canning dragon vase currently on display.
Local artist Emma Haywood-Curzon will lead sessions of about 30 minutes throughout the day. Participants can make a dragon-inspired clay keepsake to take home. The activity is suitable for adults and children aged six and over, with children required to attend with a responsible adult.
The workshop will also explore the history of Gibbs & Canning, the Tamworth ceramics manufacturer, through original pieces, photographs and displays.
Councillor Lewis Smith, Tamworth Borough Council's portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage, said: “Heritage Open Days are a fantastic opportunity to discover more about the history on our doorstep, and these two events offer visitors the chance to experience Tamworth's heritage in different ways.”
He said the programme offered something for all ages, from exploring archive material with staff and volunteers to learning about the town's ceramics history through clay.
The pop-up museum and art gallery opened in July at Ankerside Shopping Centre through a partnership with St Editha's Church. It features artworks and objects from the Tamworth Castle Museum Archives collection.
The event details, quotation and photographs were supplied by Tamworth Borough Council for editorial publication.
