Tamworth Borough Council is inviting residents and visitors to discover more about the town's history through two free events taking place as part of Heritage Open Days. The events will run on Thursday 17 September and Saturday 19 September at the pop-up museum and art gallery in Ankerside Shopping Centre.
Archives Access Event
On Thursday 17 September, from 10am to 2pm, the Archives Access: Tamworth Castle Archives event will give visitors the opportunity to explore original material from the Tamworth Castle Museum Archives collection. Visitors can see archive material that has recently come into the castle's collections, including documents and photographs being made available to the public for the first time.
Tamworth Castle Museum staff and volunteers will be on hand to talk about the items on display and answer questions about Tamworth's history. Visitors can also arrange an appointment to view specific documents or photographs held in the archives.
Dragon Designs Clay Workshop
On Saturday 19 September, from 10am to 2pm, the Dragon Designs: Clay Workshop will give visitors the chance to get creative with a free, drop-in clay activity inspired by the Victorian Gibbs & Canning dragon vase currently on display.
Local artist Emma Haywood-Curzon will lead short sessions of approximately 30 minutes throughout the day, where visitors can create their own dragon-inspired clay keepsake to take home. No previous experience is needed, and the activity is suitable for adults and children aged six and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
The workshop will also explore the story of Gibbs & Canning, the historic Tamworth ceramics manufacturer, with original ceramic pieces, historic photographs and displays revealing more about the company's contribution to the town's industrial and ceramic heritage.
Background
The pop-up museum and art gallery opened in July as part of the Athelstan celebrations, following a partnership with St Editha's Church. The gallery features a unique exhibition of artworks and objects from the Tamworth Castle Museum Archives collection.
Both events are free and no pre-booking is required.
