Display: Stroud's War - Victory, Service & Friendship
Apr
29
to Aug 31

Display: Stroud's War - Victory, Service & Friendship

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On 8 May 1945, Stroud celebrated VE Day with jazz bands and dancing in the streets. But it would be a while before family members were demobbed, and some would never return home. This display remembers those from Stroud District who served in World War Two, from soldiers to spies, ATS girls to intrepid airmen.

From acts of service to acts of friendship, we reveal gifts from German prisoners of war to new-found English friends, as well as objects which tell the story of Stroud’s solidarity with fellow Europeans across the water.

Foyer

FREE, donations welcome

Stroud’s War continues in the Collectors’ Room with The Civil Defence of Area Eight - the story of Stroud on the Home Front (29 April - 31 August).

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Display: Stroud's War - The Civil Defence of Area Eight
Apr
29
to Aug 31

Display: Stroud's War - The Civil Defence of Area Eight

  • The Museum in the Park (map)
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In 1945 the Stroud and Nailsworth Defence Committee published an extraordinary book called Area Eight in the War Against Hitlerism, recounting the efforts of local people to keep the District safe during World War Two. This display explores all aspects of life on the Home Front in Stroud, from fire watching to fundraising, preparing for invasion to dealing with enemy bombs.

Collectors’ Room

FREE, donations welcome

Stroud’s War continues in the Foyer with Victory, Service & Friendship - remembering VE Day, those who served in World War Two and some extraordinary acts of friendship (29 April - 31 August).

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Display: Everyone Welcome - Pride in the District
May
13
to Sep 7

Display: Everyone Welcome - Pride in the District

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In 2018 Stroud Pride hosted a summer picnic to bring the LGBTQ+ community together, with posters emblazoned “Everyone Welcome”. The volunteer-run organisation now operates all year round, running events and hosting support groups such as Trans Stars.

The objects on display decorated local Prides, or were worn or created there. Others items reflect LGBTQ+ life outside of Pride season. A slideshow of photographs capture events across the Stroud District, include Dursley Pride and performances of the Stroud Drag Collective.

The Space, inside the mansion house.

FREE but donations are welcome.

Come and say hello to us at the 2025 Stroud Pride on 28th June 2025 11am to 5pm in Bank Gardens, Stroud.

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Exhibition: Future Forecasts - Cheltenham Illustration Awards
Jun
21
to Aug 31

Exhibition: Future Forecasts - Cheltenham Illustration Awards

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The Cheltenham Illustration Awards have been running since 2007 and each year, we are fortunate to see illustration entries from across the world. This exhibition showcases the selected work from the entrants of 2024. Each piece of narrative art interprets the theme of the year in a thoughtful and insightful way. The theme of 2024 was ‘future forecasts’ and judges were particularly impressed with the range of materials and image-making processes used this year including printed objects, dioramas, and knitting!

We hope that you enjoy this selection of work that speculates on what the future may hold. What do you imagine you might see in the future? What is your future forecast?

The exhibition will be accompanied by family workshops during the school holidays.

Illustration: ‘The Last Pearl’ by Julia Morris

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Museum Explorers: FREE Family Trails
Jul
18
to Aug 31

Museum Explorers: FREE Family Trails

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Looking for something fun, free and relaxed to enjoy with your children during the summer holidays? We have a variety of trails for families to enjoy together, exploring different themes and artefacts in the fascinating museum collections. From Amazing Animals to the Musical Museum, Woolly Wonders and more, these trails are always available from museum reception. Why not come and try them out? New trails are being added all the time. Ask at the front desk when you visit.

Free, but donations welcome to help support our work.

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‘Natural World’ FREE Family Explorer Trail
Jul
22
to Sep 13

‘Natural World’ FREE Family Explorer Trail

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Our new ‘Natural World’ Family Explorer trail is designed to support children taking part in The Library Challenge in Gloucestershire and provides a fun way to look around the Museum in the Park. Think about how the natural world has inspired people in the past by looking closely, drawing and talking together in the Museum and Walled Garden.

Free, donations welcome to support our work.

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Aug
31
11:00 AM11:00

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Come hear, see and discover what’s blooming and buzzing in the Walled Garden. How have the bees, butterflies and other insects been doing? We’ll also be making clay bees to take home.

For adults and for children, free but donations welcome, come for all or part of the time and become a Bee Guardian. Based in the Walled Garden Pavilion. No need to book, just come along.

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Display: Craft at the Colony
Sep
2
to Nov 9

Display: Craft at the Colony

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To accompany our exhibition of the work of artist-blacksmith Alan Evans, this display will explore the creativity of his unconventional upbringing at the Whiteway Colony near Miserden, Gloucestershire.

Founded in 1898, Whiteway was envisioned as a self-sufficient community which renounced individual ownership. Among the communists, anarchists, pacifists and vegetarians who lived at Whiteway were many talented artists and craftspeople including Alan’s parents, Peter and Joy Evans. This display from the Evans family’s collection showcases textiles and leatherwork made by colonists, alongside items which tell the story of their way of life.

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Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, 1980-2025
Sep
6
to Nov 2

Earth Fire Iron: Alan Evans and the New Iron Age, 1980-2025

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This special exhibition celebrates the work of Alan Evans (1952-2023) and his fellow artist-blacksmiths who brought new vigour and excitement to this traditional craft from 1980 onwards.

The exhibition illustrates the impact on Alan Evans of his upbringing as part of the Whiteway colony, a radical Tolstoyan community near Stroud set up in 1898, and of Cotswold Arts and Craft traditions.

Alan’s first major commission, aged 29, was for the Treasury Gates at St Paul’s Cathedral, London in 1980-81. The St Paul’s maquette will be on show together with work by Alan and his contemporaries from Britain and the continent.

Also taking part are inspiring young blacksmiths from around the UK.

Alongside the exhibition will be a string of exciting events and other exhibitions throughout Stroud and the surrounding area. For further details see our Earth Fire Iron page.

Earth Fire Iron is supported by Arts Council England, Jinny Quinnell Memorial Trust, William A Cadbury Charitable Trust, Ann Albright, The Summerfield Trust, Stroud District Council, Stroud District (Cowle) Museum Trust and all those who wish to remain anonymous.

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Inspired: BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM & Conference
Sep
12
to Sep 14

Inspired: BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM & Conference

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Not to be missed - a unique chance to meet emerging and established artist-blacksmiths from across the country and beyond, and watch forging in action on the walled garden lawn.

Blacksmith Richard Quinnell was the driving force behind BABA, set up in 1978. Young blacksmiths from Britain and Europe got together to work and share ideas at venues including the V&A and Hereford Technical College (now Hereford College of Arts). Their annual meeting is an important opportunity for working craftspeople to come together.

This year their programme will include exciting blacksmithing demonstrations and talks open to the public, to coincide with the Earth Fire Iron exhibition. These include a panel discussion on ‘Art and Wellbeing: Making a Difference’ on Friday 12 September at 7.30pm, chaired by Simon Opher MP.  Another highlight will be a talk on the Cotswold Arts & Crafts Movement by Mary Greensted on Saturday 13th September at 4.30pm (booking required for talks).

BABA organised a special national competition called Inspired to accompany the Earth Fire Iron programme. The competition offered young artist blacksmiths the chance to design an original work that they would not otherwise have had the opportunity to make. Work by four winners, Cara Wassenberg, Sam Pearce, Cameron Pearson and Neve Taylor Bridges, will be part of the main ‘Earth Fire Iron’ exhibition in the Museum’s Art Gallery. Neve’s sculpture will be displayed in the walled garden where she and her mentor Adam Greenwell, and others, will be demonstrating the blacksmith’s craft.

Forging demonstrations are free to watch, but numbers may be limited on the day for safety reasons.   Drop in and make your way to the walled garden lawn between 10am – 12 noon and 2pm – 4pm on Friday, 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm on Saturday, and 11am – 12noon on Sunday.

As part of this special event, children and young people aged 8 to 16 will have a rare chance to book a hands-on, one-to-one blacksmithing class with the Quinnell School of Blacksmithing … click here for details!

Museum, walled garden and Earth Fire Iron exhibition open 10am to 4.30pm during this special blacksmithing weekend. Museum entry free, donations welcome.

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Panel Discussion: Art and Wellbeing - Making a Difference
Sep
12
to Sep 13

Panel Discussion: Art and Wellbeing - Making a Difference

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Dr Simon Opher,  Stroud MP,  will chair this panel discussion. Simon initiated the ‘Art on Prescription’ programme through GP referrals across Gloucestershire and is Chair of the Government’s Health Committee. Four amazing panellists will consider the ways in which artists and craftspeople can help generate positive health outcomes for people with long-term health conditions, benefitting all ages, but especially young people, living with mental health and/or chronic pain challenges.

The panellists are Jo Antoniazzi, Lead Officer for Behavioural Support Services and Pupil Referral Units and EOTAS Carmarthenshire, Dan Austin, course leader in metalwork at Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth, Sam Guglani, Consultant Clinical Oncologist Gloucestershire NHS Trust, and creator of  ‘Medicine Unboxed’ and Arian Leljak, Cranham-based blacksmith.

Each panellist will speak of their experiences in which art, and especially forging, offers a source of inspiration, confidence and learning to all but especially young people with health challenges.  And - what can supporting others offer to us all as individuals and artist-blacksmiths? Join in for an open and constructive debate for forging futures for all.

This event takes place in the BABA event marquee behind the Museum in the Park and is part of the BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association)) AGM Weekend & Conference.

Tickets £10, booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394.

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An Evening with Artist-Blacksmiths
Sep
13
4:30 PM16:30

An Evening with Artist-Blacksmiths

Join emerging and established Artist-Blacksmiths from across the UK and beyond as they gather for their 2025 AGM Conference Weekend. A limited number of tickets are available to non-members for an evening of talks and discussions exploring smithing history, design, contemporary practice and more, with the option to book a delicious vegan supper if you wish. Come and explore the craft of blacksmithing past, present and future.

First up will be acclaimed writer and Earth Fire Iron curator Mary Greensted, with a talk on the Cotswolds Arts and Crafts Movement at 4.30pm, followed by a break for an evening meal (or picnic in the park) from 6pm until 7pm. Drinks available to buy from Fresh Standard's pop up bar.

At 7.15pm, Pete Hill opens a panel discussion all about 'Inspired by Design', with fellow blacksmiths David Tucker, Carra Wassenberg, and Sam Pearce, and with opportunities for the audience to ask questions and share ideas.

The evening closes with a chance to hear a thought provoking talk with Keynote Speaker Professor Heiner Zimmermann. Why do we only think of grave 'stones' here in the UK? Heiner reveals the fascinating European tradition of forged grave markers, and the overlooked use of different materials, such as iron and bronze, in past centuries in this country. He also explores possibilities for contemporary smiths. 

Book here if you'd like to attend the whole evening, ticket price £25, or £40 including a delicious vegan supper. ​

Please book by 31st August if you'd like the ​supper option (menu to follow).
Tickets are also available to purchase for each individual talk (at £10 per event).

This event is linked to the Earth Fire Iron programme and takes place in the BABA event marquee behind the Museum in the Park. It is part of the BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM Weekend & Conference 2025.

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Talk with Mary Greensted: Cotswolds Arts & Crafts Movement
Sep
13
4:30 PM16:30

Talk with Mary Greensted: Cotswolds Arts & Crafts Movement

Mary will give an illustrated talk on the Arts & Crafts movement in the Cotswolds from the 1890s, looking at what made it different and special. Focusing on key communities - C R Ashbee and the Guild of Handicraft in Chipping Campden and Gimson and the Barnsleys in the south Cotswolds - she will discuss their approaches to design and making. Why has their work remained relevant to designers and makers including Alan Evans up to the present day? 

Formerly the Curator at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum, and a nationally important expert, writer and lecturer on the Arts & Crafts movement, Mary is a key member of the ‘Earth Fire Iron’ exhibition team, the Chair of Trustees for Court Barn Museum of Craft and Design and author of a significant number of publications on the Cotswold Arts and Crafts including co-author of ‘Ernest Gimson Arts and Crafts Designer and Architect’ (Yale University Press, 2019).

Tickets £10, booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394.

This event is linked to the Earth Fire Iron programme and takes place in the BABA event marquee behind the Museum in the Park. It is part of the BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM Weekend & Conference 2025.

Image: 'Charley Downer and Bill Thornton, blacksmiths at Chipping Campden, 1906', copyright The Guild of Handicraft Trust.

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Panel Discussion: Inspired to Design
Sep
13
7:15 PM19:15

Panel Discussion: Inspired to Design

With Artist-Blacksmiths Pete Hill, David Tucker, Carra Wassenberg and Sam Pearce, this panel discussion focuses on the design process and specifically how we might use design within blacksmithing work. Four professional smiths will delve into different aspects of design and their individual approaches, how they view the design process and use it for both commercial and personal work, how their approaches differ depending on the type of work and constraints or otherwise of the project at hand. The session will begin with a brief introduction from each of the panel members, and they will then respond to questions from the floor. 

What does good design mean to you - do you give it enough consideration or thought? 
Could you embrace design in a more holistic way to help you develop your work? 
What could help in that journey?
 
We hope to see you in Stroud so we can all learn from one another. Makers and craftspeople from other disciplines welcome too!

Tickets £10. Booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394.

This event is linked to the Earth Fire Iron programme and takes place in the BABA event marquee behind the Museum in the Park. It is part of the BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM Weekend & Conference 2025.

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Talk with Heiner Zimmermann: Grave Markers – A Frontier for Blacksmiths?
Sep
13
8:30 PM20:30

Talk with Heiner Zimmermann: Grave Markers – A Frontier for Blacksmiths?

We think only of grave ‘stones’ here because so many memorial markers in the UK are usually considered to be stone. Why? In Europe forged grave markers are common, and historically grave markers in the UK were made of a variety of materials, including iron and bronze. During the Victorian period iron and bronze were very popular materials (especially white bronze). Forged grave markers is not currently an active market in the UK so Heiner’s challenge is to explore how blacksmiths, with their unique skills, might re-enter this space. He proposes that there are compelling reasons to consider this, and will show numerous examples of good practice to discuss.

Heiner’s journey as a young smith included working in Alan’s forge at Whiteway. Now he is an internationally respected artist and teacher, admired by many established British and European smiths for his design skills. He is Professor of Metal Art at the University of Gothenburg. He aims to keep his presentation ‘engaging, thought-provoking and challenging’ and invites you to join him.

Tickets £10, booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394.

This event is linked to the Earth Fire Iron programme and takes place in the BABA event marquee behind the Museum in the Park. It is part of the BABA (British Artist Blacksmiths Association) AGM Weekend & Conference 2025. 

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Talk with Mary Greensted: Ernest Gimson's Metalwork
Sep
18
2:00 PM14:00

Talk with Mary Greensted: Ernest Gimson's Metalwork

‘Good workmanship with happy thought’

Arts and Crafts expert Mary Greensted explores the fascinating history of Ernest Gimson’s metalwork and Cotswold Arts & Crafts traditions. Gimson (1864-1919) is best remembered as a furniture designer and architect but his metalwork designs were inspirational. He set up a smithy in Sapperton where the young men he employed produced useful and beautiful work under his guidance for use in the home and churches.

Free but booking required. Donations welcome. Book online or call 01453 763394.

Part of the Earth Fire Iron programme.

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Book Launch:  Music Stones – The Rediscovery of Ringing Rock
Sep
27
2:00 PM14:00

Book Launch: Music Stones – The Rediscovery of Ringing Rock

Mike Adcock's book Music Stones – The rediscovery of ringing rock tells the story of how the wide use of resonant stone, sometimes tuned to play different notes and dating back to prehistoric times, has undergone something of a revival over the last two centuries. This began in Cumbria, when extraordinary museum curator and inventor, Peter Crosthwaite,  assembled what he called his Music Stones from pieces of rock he collected locally in 1785. Later, a succession of other Keswick families built their own much larger stone instruments and achieved considerable success as a result. Music Stones details how they did this and goes on to describe how others since, in different parts of the world, have discovered for themselves the surprising musical potential of stone. The list of those who, over the years, have declared an interest in this includes Thomas Edison, John Ruskin, Queen Victoria, sculptor Barbara Hepworth, composer Pauline Oliveros, the band Sigur Rós and percussionist Dame Evelyn Glennie, who has written the foreword for Mike's book.

At this book launch in the Walled Garden Pavilion, Mike Adcock will talk about his book, illustrating it with photographs and video clips, and there will also be a live performance on musical stones from members of the Cheltenham Improvisers Orchestra.

Mike Adcock, who lives in Stroud, spent ten years as an art college lecturer before deciding to pursue a career in music: playing, composing, teaching and writing on the subject. He has released many recordings, both solo and in collaboration with other musicians, particularly in the field of free improvisation. Mike has had articles and papers published on different aspects of music and music education and currently writes reviews for the online magazine Roots World. He sometimes makes his own stone instruments, using broken roof slates.

Free entry, books for sale, all welcome to come along between 2pm - 4pm.

For directions or if you require accessible parking, please call the Museum team on 01453 763394.

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Sep
28
11:00 AM11:00

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Come hear, see and discover what’s blooming and buzzing in the Walled Garden as we look to the season of Autumn. How have the bees, butterflies and other insects been doing?

For adults and for children, free but donations welcome, come for all or part of the time and become a Bee Guardian. Based in the Walled Garden Pavilion. No need to book, just come along.

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Arrowhead Forging Demonstration with Hector Cole MBE
Oct
2
11:00 AM11:00

Arrowhead Forging Demonstration with Hector Cole MBE

A rare chance to see a Master Arrowsmith and Archaeological Ironworker at work! Hector Cole MBE has a world-wide reputation for the forging of high-quality historic arrowheads. His reputation is based on years of blacksmithing experience and he specialises in the reconstruction of archaeological artefacts using the same materials and techniques of the ancient smiths.

Free demonstration in the museum courtyard, weather permitting.

Part of the Earth Fire Iron programme.

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Talk with Hector Coles MBE: Medieval Ironwork
Oct
2
2:00 PM14:00

Talk with Hector Coles MBE: Medieval Ironwork

Join Hector Coles MBE to explore the fascinating history of medieval ironwork. Hector is an internationally renowned Arrowsmith and Archaeological Ironworker. We are privileged indeed to welcome him to Stroud.

Free but booking required. Donations welcome. Book online or call 01453 763394 

Part of the Earth Fire Iron programme.

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Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis: William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones
Oct
10
10:30 AM10:30

Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis: William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones

We are delighted to welcome back inspiring speaker Kirsty Hartsiotis who will be giving three talks this season. The first: ‘When we were little lads’: William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones, the Friendship of a Lifetime

From the moment they bonded over bad accommodation at Oxford University, William Morris and Ned Jones were firm friends. They came from very different backgrounds – Morris had never wanted for anything, but Jones’ family was poor – but their shared love of medieval literature and art bound them together. Over the more than 40 years of their friendship they weathered personal storms, tragedies and political disagreements to create beautiful art and craft, collaborating on book design, stained glass and many other decorative projects. This talk charts the peaks and troughs of Topsy and Ned’s long and fruitful friendship, some of it right here in the Cotswolds!

  • This talk takes place in the Museum’s meeting room next to the art gallery.

  • Duration approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

  • Tea and coffee included.

Tickets £7 (£5 for Museum in the Park Members)

Booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394

Image: Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris © National Portrait Gallery, London

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Forging Futures: Talk with Del Done MBE from Hereford College of Arts
Oct
16
4:30 PM16:30

Forging Futures: Talk with Del Done MBE from Hereford College of Arts

A talk exploring the the Art School and Nurturing Creativity, Heritage & Innovation in Contemporary Metal Arts Education.

Del Done MBE, CWCB, is Head of the School of Materials and Design and Course Leader for BA(Hons) Artist Blacksmithing, has an MA in Forged Metal Arts, and an MA Contemporary Crafts. She is a globally renowned scholar and educator, deeply rooted in the discipline of forged metal arts and crafts. We are delighted to welcome her to Stroud and invite you to join us.

After the talk there will be an opportunity to ask questions, share ideas and discuss today’s challenges for young people and educators.

Tea and cake at 4.30pm, talk starts at 5pm.

For teachers, teaching assistants, artists, activists, makers and anyone passionate about the importance of hands-on creative crafts and arts and crafts education.

Free but booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394 

Part of the Earth Fire Iron programme.

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Poetry Evening with Yew Tree Press
Oct
23
7:30 PM19:30

Poetry Evening with Yew Tree Press

Save the date …

Yew Tree Press and friends will be back with an evening of poetry readings to enjoy in the Walled Garden Pavilion. Free admission, books and drinks available to buy, no need to book just come and enjoy poetry and good company.

Doors open at 7.30pm and the event starts at 8pm. The Earth Fire Iron exhibition will also be open.

For directions, or if you require accessible parking, please call the Museum team on 01453 763394.

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Buzz Club in the Walled Garden
Oct
26
11:00 AM11:00

Buzz Club in the Walled Garden

Come hear, see and discover what’s blooming and buzzing in the Walled Garden as we explore the season of Autumn. How have the bees, butterflies and other insects been doing?

For adults and for children, free but donations welcome, come for all or part of the time and become a Bee Guardian. Based in the Walled Garden Pavilion. No need to book, just come along.

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Chasing Nature: Family Drop-in Workshops with Students from Hereford College of Arts
Oct
29
to Oct 31

Chasing Nature: Family Drop-in Workshops with Students from Hereford College of Arts

  • The Museum in the Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Looking for a fun, creative family activity this half term? Join our Chasing Nature drop-in workshop! This interactive session introduces families to basic metal chasing techniques to create votive plaques inspired by native plants and creatures and our beautiful Walled Garden.

Guided by Artist Blacksmithing students, you'll transfer your designs onto metal plates and use hammers and punches to emboss them, crafting unique art pieces to take home with you. Don’t miss this chance to blend creativity with nature and learn new skills.

Free entry, no need to book, for families with children aged 5+. Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or carer. If the workshop space is too busy, you are welcome to enjoy a free museum explorer trail instead.

Part of the Earth Fire Iron programme.

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Meet the Blacksmith & Watch Forging in Action
Oct
29
to Oct 31

Meet the Blacksmith & Watch Forging in Action

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Meet Blacksmith Simon Bushell and encounter the inspiring Nowhere Forge and see it in action - a self-sufficient, sustainably powered mobile blacksmithing workshop. After appearing in Stroud town centre outside St Laurence Church, it makes its way to the Museum’s Walled Garden in time for the half term holidays.

Free entry, no need to book, all ages welcome but children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or carer. Come and be enchanted by the Blacksmith’s craft!

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Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis: The Golden Age of British Book Illustration
Nov
7
10:30 AM10:30

Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis: The Golden Age of British Book Illustration

Discover how the art of book illustration flourished in Britain from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. From the first forays of the Pre-Raphaelites into illustration, Walter Crane's toy books, Edward Burne-Jones at William Morris's Kelmscott Press, as well as Aubrey Beardsley, Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and many more – including people like Charles March Gere and Maxwell Armfield who worked here in the Cotswolds. This talk will uncover the new trends in art, design and technology that led to this flowering of excellence. It was an exciting time of experimentation on the one hand and lavish productions on the other - we'll explore this fascinating period when book illustration became a high art in and of itself.

This illustrated talk by Kirsty Hartsiotis is linked to Stroud Book Festival

  • Event takes place in the Museum’s meeting room next to the art gallery.

  • Duration approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

  • Tea and coffee included.

Tickets £7 (£5 for Museum in the Park Members)

Booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394

Image: ‘She went along, and went along, and went along’ by Arthur Rackham for English Folk Tales by Flora Annie Webster Steel (Macmillan and Co., 1922)

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Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis: A Cotswold Arts and Crafts Christmas
Dec
12
10:30 AM10:30

Talk with Kirsty Hartsiotis: A Cotswold Arts and Crafts Christmas

Gloucestershire was at the heart of the Arts and Crafts Movement, with many artists, architects and craftspeople settling in the area for life. At the same time at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th people were reviving the old folk traditions in our villages and towns, and the artists and designers of the Movement were part of that – especially at Christmas time. Discover how they spent their Christmases, the carols they sang, and the art they produced as personal gifts for each other, the books and song sheets they illustrated - as well as exploring Christmas-based art we can all visit in our churches.

  • This talk takes place in the Museum’s meeting room next to the art gallery.

  • Duration approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

  • Tea, coffee and mince pies included.

Tickets £7 (£5 for Museum in the Park Members)

Booking required. Book online or call 01453 763394

Image: Stained glass by M. E. Aldrich Rope, 1939, St. John, Hartley Wintney, Hampshire © Cathy Stillman-Lowe

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SOLD OUT Maths & Meteorology: How Do You Forecast The Weather? with Dee Atkins-Greig  
Aug
29
2:30 PM14:30

SOLD OUT Maths & Meteorology: How Do You Forecast The Weather? with Dee Atkins-Greig  

It’s a subject many of us love to talk about – the weather! But how do forecasters make their predictions? And what role do mathematical equations play in forecasting models?

Dee Atkins-Greig is a maths and meteorology tutor and a certified coach. Her early meteorological career was as a forecaster with the Royal Navy before she later became a weather presenter for BBC South on TV and local radio.

Dee joins interviewer Jo Durrant to share her passion for this subject, discussing everything from how storms are named to what constitutes a heatwave, and her favourite clouds. Plus, she’ll reveal some of the behind-the-scenes secrets of TV weather presenting.

Dee is a maths tutor, meteorology enthusiast, and ICF-trained coach. She began her career as a Royal Navy forecaster before moving into BBC local TV and radio as a weather presenter. She later became an instructor at the Met Office College and was partly responsible for the training of Tom Schafernaker and Chris Fawkes among other BBC weather presenters. After retraining as a secondary maths teacher and a short stint as a classroom teacher, Dee moved to Warsash Maritime Academy where she taught GCSE level maths and meteorology to Merchant Navy deck cadets. Now, as a dedicated maths and meteorology tutor, Dee helps students build confidence and develop independent learning skills. 

She is passionate about weather and clouds and is on a one woman mission to educate the world on how to get the best from their weather app!

This event is part of Jo Durrant’s ‘Our Beautiful Universe’ series and takes place in the Pavilion in the Museum's beautiful Walled Garden. Tea and coffee included and there will be a chance to ask questions or share ideas after the talk if you so wish. 

Tickets £7 / £5 including tea and coffee. Museum Members can bring a guest for free - look out for our ‘2 for 1’ ticket offer. Book online or call 01453 763394.

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Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session
Aug
26
2:00 PM14:00

Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session

We are trialling pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of animals alive.

Wash the muddy farm animal toys and think about looking after the environment by cleaning up the ‘beach’. Play ‘build a bug’ using natural resources, help us fill a giant ‘spider web’ with ‘flies’ and try some earthworm coding. Make a colourful paper hedgehog and a nature themed suncatcher to take away before exploring the museum with one of our animal themed family explorer trails, if you like.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

The session will run between 2pm and 3pm in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. All activities are optional, and we will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. To support a relaxed environment, there are 10 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket. 

£1 per child. Please prebook. Book online or call 01453 763394.

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Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
26
11:00 AM11:00

Amazing Animals: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of animals alive.

Wash the muddy farm animal toys and think about looking after the environment by cleaning up the ‘beach’. Play ‘build a bug’ using natural resources, help us fill a giant ‘spider web’ with ‘flies’ and try some earthworm coding. Make a colourful paper hedgehog and a nature themed suncatcher to take away before exploring the museum with one of our animal themed family explorer trails.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together. Drop in between 11am and 1pm.

£1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions
Aug
24
5:30 PM17:30

Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions

Jenny Wren Productions presents Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island’, adapted by Matthew Bassington and Aidan Mosby …

Looking for adventure? Join Jenny Wren Productions as we sail the seven seas in search of buried treasure! There’s never a dull moment on board ship – the grog flows, we love a sea shanty, and Long John Silver and his parrot are always game for a laugh.

But it won’t all be plain sailing as murder and mutiny abound, not to mention the dreaded “Black Spot”; surrounded by all those brawling buccaneers, who can you trust?

Anchors away as our small but perfectly capable crew take you on a journey to Treasure Island.

In the open-air in the Walled Garden – please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Suitable for older children as well as adults.

Show starts at 5.30pm, grounds open at 4.45pm for picnics.

Buy tickets on the door (from 4.45pm). £15 (£10 for children under 16)

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Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2
Aug
24
11:00 AM11:00

Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2

Step back in time and discover stories and memories of the war years in Stroud District and enjoy watching the film ‘Working for Victory’. We’ll be showing this charming documentary on a loop in the Meeting Room, where you can also view displays by our local history societies. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2.

Call in between 11am and 4pm.

Free, donations welcome, hot and cold drinks available to purchase from our mini foyer café.

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SOLD OUT Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions
Aug
23
5:30 PM17:30

SOLD OUT Treasure Island: Outdoor Theatre Show by Jenny Wren Productions

This performance is SOLD OUT so we’ve added another show on Sunday 24th - same time, buy tickets on the door!

Jenny Wren Productions presents Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island’, adapted by Matthew Bassington and Aidan Mosby …

Looking for adventure? Join Jenny Wren Productions as we sail the seven seas in search of buried treasure! There’s never a dull moment on board ship – the grog flows, we love a sea shanty, and Long John Silver and his parrot are always game for a laugh.

But it won’t all be plain sailing as murder and mutiny abound, not to mention the dreaded “Black Spot”; surrounded by all those brawling buccaneers, who can you trust?

Anchors away as our small but perfectly capable crew take you on a journey to Treasure Island.

In the open-air in the Walled Garden – please bring a chair or blanket to sit on. Suitable for older children as well as adults.

Show starts at 5.30pm, grounds open at 4.45pm for picnics.

This event is SOLD OUT.

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Cutting & Sticking! FREE Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
21
11:00 AM11:00

Cutting & Sticking! FREE Family Drop-in Activity

Get cutting and sticking at our family activity table where you’ll find an array of colourful papers to play with. Relax and have fun playing with colours and shapes, and make a collage or card to take home with you. A family activity for all ages, but ideal for ages 5+. For adults and children to enjoy together.

Free, donations welcome, no need to book just come along.

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Illustrated Time Capsule: FREE Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Tracy Spiers
Aug
20
11:00 AM11:00

Illustrated Time Capsule: FREE Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Tracy Spiers

A Playful Workshop with Dr Fun to Capture Your Favourite Things for Tomorrow’s Eyes

Step into a world of imagination with Dr Fun (aka Tracy Spiers, PhD) and create your very own illustrated time box—filled with personal treasures, memories, and messages for the future. In this playful, hands-on workshop, you’ll capture your favourite foods, adventures, books, dreams, and more through drawing and visual storytelling. Whether it’s a letter to future friends or a glimpse of your life today, your time box will become a one-of-a-kind keepsake for tomorrow. Come ready to draw, dream, and travel through time—no passport required!

Tracy Spiers is a Stroud-based writer and illustrator who brings stories to life through a vibrant mix of words and images. With a PhD in Art and Design, specialising in playfulness, Tracy’s work is rooted in a deep love of storytelling, curiosity, and connection. A mother of five delightful daughters, Tracy is often found running and exploring the fabulous wildlife of the Five Valleys. She has a special fondness for the Museum in the Park, not least because her mum, Jan, spent her childhood living in the mansion house.

A family workshop for all ages, ideal for 5+.

FREE thanks to our funders Arts Society Painswick. Donations welcome (suggested donation £1 per child), no need to book, just come along.

With many thanks to Arts Society Painswick for funding this special artist-led creative drop in workshop.

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Delightful Dinos: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session
Aug
19
2:00 PM14:00

Delightful Dinos: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session

We are trialling pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children who and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of dinosaurs and fossils alive.

Get up close with some real fossils by trying out our mini fossil dig, find out more at our investigation station and explore our sensory exploration tray. Try creating some dinosaur tracks with some toy dinosaurs and make a hatching dinosaur toy to take away with you. Add a prehistoric marine creature to our seascape and tell us what your favourite dinosaur is before exploring the museum to see the fossils, if you would like.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

The session will run between 2pm and 3pm in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. All activities are optional, and we will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. To support a relaxed environment, there are 10 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket.

£1 per child. Please prebook online or call 01453 763394.

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Delightful Dinos: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
19
11:00 AM11:00

Delightful Dinos: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of dinosaurs and fossils alive.

Get up close with some real fossils by trying out our mini fossil dig, find out more at our investigation station and explore our sensory exploration tray. Try creating some dinosaur tracks with some toy dinosaurs and make a hatching dinosaur toy to take away with you. Add a prehistoric marine creature to our seascape and tell us what your favourite dinosaur is before exploring the museum to see the fossils.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together. Drop in between 11am and 1pm.

£1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2
Aug
17
11:00 AM11:00

Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2

Step back in time and discover stories and memories of the war years in Stroud District and enjoy watching the film ‘Working for Victory’. We’ll be showing this charming documentary on a loop in the Meeting Room, where you can also view displays by our local history societies. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2.

Call in between 11am and 4pm.

Free, donations welcome, hot and cold drinks available to purchase from our mini foyer café.

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Cutting & Sticking! Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
14
11:00 AM11:00

Cutting & Sticking! Family Drop-in Activity

Get cutting and sticking at our family activity table where you’ll find an array of colourful papers to play with. Relax and have fun playing with colours and shapes, and make a collage or card to take home with you. A family activity for all ages, but ideal for ages 5+. For adults and children to enjoy together.

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Future Fossils! Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Alison Cockcroft
Aug
13
11:00 AM11:00

Future Fossils! Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Alison Cockcroft

Imagine being a fossil hunter millions of years in the future. What would you make of the remains of our present-day creatures? What if all the fossils were muddled up?

Join artist, Alison Cockcroft for a fun drawing and collage workshop making fabulous hybrid creatures from the fossil clues of the future.

All ages welcome but great for ages 5 to 12 and adults too - for families to enjoy together.

£1per child suggested donation - drop in, no need to book.

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Terrific Transport: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session
Aug
12
2:00 PM14:00

Terrific Transport: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session

We are trialling pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children who and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of transport alive.

Create some track prints using some toy vehicles and craft a rocking paper boat to take away. Play with a toy trainset and explore our transport themed sensory tray. Help create a giant townscape for some toy cars and make a paper carriage to add to our giant train. Use building blocks to create a vehicle and use some cool science experiment skills to blow up a balloon, before exploring the museum, if you would like.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.  

The session will run between 2pm and 3pm in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. All activities are optional, and we will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose.  

Please note that we will be using vinegar in our science experiment, which does have a smell that some participants may be sensitive to.

To support a relaxed environment, there are 10 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket.

£1 per child. Please prebook online or call 01453 763394.

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Terrific Transport: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
12
11:00 AM11:00

Terrific Transport: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of transport alive.

Create some track prints using some toy vehicles and craft a rocking paper boat to take away. Play with a toy trainset and explore our transport themed sensory tray. Help create a giant townscape for some toy cars and make a carriage to add to our giant paper train. Use building blocks to create a vehicle and use some cool science experiment skills to blow up a balloon before exploring the museum.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together. Drop in between 11am and 1pm.

£1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2
Aug
10
11:00 AM11:00

Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2

Step back in time and discover stories and memories of the war years in Stroud District and enjoy watching the film ‘Working for Victory’. We’ll be showing this charming documentary on a loop in the Meeting Room, where you can also view displays by our local history societies. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2.

Call in between 11am and 4pm.

Free, donations welcome, hot and cold drinks available to purchase from our mini foyer café.

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Cinderella: Outdoor Theatre Show by IKP Productions
Aug
9
11:30 AM11:30

Cinderella: Outdoor Theatre Show by IKP Productions

From the fabulous company who brought you The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Beauty and the Beast and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the classic fairytale of magic, true love and custom-made shoes is brought to life in this brand new show for all ages.

Embark on the most magical adventure as Cinderella comes to the Museum in the Park’s Walled Garden this Summer. Expect magic, madness and plenty of silliness for all the family to enjoy!

Please bring rugs or picnic chairs to sit on and clothing to suit the weather - sunhats and suncream, or warm layers and waterproofs! Refreshments and ice creams on sale in the Museum’s foyer café.

Tickets £13, £11, family ticket £44 - for full details and to book online click here

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Wallbridge Automaton 'Sneak Peek': Meet the Artist-Inventor
Aug
8
11:00 AM11:00

Wallbridge Automaton 'Sneak Peek': Meet the Artist-Inventor

Drop in and meet artist-inventor Tara Downs, one half of The Miniature Museum, and enjoy a ‘sneak peek’ of a special new interactive artwork designed to bring the Museum’s iconic ‘A View of Wallbridge’ painting to life. Commissioned by the Cotswold Canals Connected project, this intriguing re-creation of the painting invites you to imagine stepping into the picture and discover what’s happening there.

For more information about The Miniature Museum see their website.

Drop in between 11am and 3pm, free entry but donations welcome.

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SOLD OUT Wild World - Art Workshop for 7-13s with Alison Cockcroft
Aug
8
10:30 AM10:30

SOLD OUT Wild World - Art Workshop for 7-13s with Alison Cockcroft

Imagine a future of thriving nature, lush forests, flowery meadows and green hills. Join professional artist Alison Cockcroft to create a 3D scene from simple but effective paper cut-out techniques and inhabit it with fun animal characters. All materials provided in this fun creative workshop. 

For young artists aged 7 to 13. 
Children can be unaccompanied, or stay with an adult if preferred. 
Max. 12 places.

Booking necessary - book online or call 01453 763394.

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Cutting & Sticking! Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
7
11:00 AM11:00

Cutting & Sticking! Family Drop-in Activity

Get cutting and sticking at our family activity table where you’ll find an array of colourful papers to play with. Relax and have fun playing with colours and shapes, and make a collage or card to take home with you. A family activity for all ages, but ideal for ages 5+. For adults and children to enjoy together.

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Drop-in Family Workshop with Guest Illustrators Gizem & Emma
Aug
7
11:00 AM11:00

Drop-in Family Workshop with Guest Illustrators Gizem & Emma

We are delighted to announce that guest illustrators Gizem Gözde Uçar and Emma Evans will be joining us this Thursday. Do come along and meet them, and make butterflies and badges!

Gizem is an inspiring children’s book author and illustrator based in London, from Istanbul, Turkey, and one of the emerging/established artists featured in the ‘Future Forecasts’ exhibition. Her picture ‘The City of No Sky’ is a story of a future where grown-ups, consumed by daily routines, forget to look up and dream. But one day a girl called Sky sneaks in, and paints the sky blue. The blue overflows, raining down, awakening the adults to dream again.

Emma Evans is an inspiring illustrator and maker of many things, based in Cheltenham. She is also one of the organisers of the annual Cheltenham Illustration Awards (see the ‘Future Forecasts’ exhibition in our art gallery). With a focus on colour and textures, she is drawn to flora and fauna subjects as well as a touch of the surreal in ‘slice of life’ stories.

Come and meet these inspiring artists and join in with creative and fun activities. For families with children aged 5+, suggested donation £1 per child. No need to book, just drop in.

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Creative Colouring & Fossil Tile Wax Rubbings - Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
6
11:00 AM11:00

Creative Colouring & Fossil Tile Wax Rubbings - Family Drop-in Activity

Come and relax in our meeting room where you’ll find a selection of Museum-inspired drawings by Tracy Spiers to colour in and take home. You can also create a wax crayon rubbing from our fabulous fossil and dinosaur tiles. All ages welcome but children must be accompanied by a parent or carer. Free but donations welcome.

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CANCELLED Gorgeous Gemstones: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session
Aug
5
2:00 PM14:00

CANCELLED Gorgeous Gemstones: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session

Sorry, this event has been cancelled: the Museum will have to close on the afternoon of 5th August due to lack of power. Apologies for any disappointment.

We are trialling pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children who and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of gemstones alive.

Get up close with some of real gems and minerals, try panning for ‘gold’ and sort the sparkly gemstones. Paint a colourful gemstone artwork, think about patterns and colour in nature and play our rock puzzle. Make a crown decorated with ‘gemstones’ and help us create a gemstone garland, before exploring the museum, if you would like.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

The session will run between 2pm and 3pm in the Meeting Room at Museum in the Park. All activities are optional, and we will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. To support a relaxed environment, there are 10 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket.

£1 per child.

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Gorgeous Gemstones: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity
Aug
5
11:00 AM11:00

Gorgeous Gemstones: Museum Inspired Family Drop-in Activity

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of gemstones alive.

Get up close with some of real gems and minerals, try panning for ‘gold’ and sort the sparkly gemstones. Paint a colourful gemstone artwork, think about patterns and colour in nature and play our rock puzzle. Make a crown decorated with ‘gemstones’ and help us create a gemstone garland before exploring the museum.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old to explore together. Drop in between 11am and 1pm.

£1 per child. Please pay on the day.

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Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2
Aug
3
11:00 AM11:00

Film on Repeat: Working for Victory - Stroud during WW2

Step back in time and discover stories and memories of the war years in Stroud District and enjoy watching the film ‘Working for Victory’. We’ll be showing this charming documentary on a loop in the Meeting Room, where you can also view displays by our local history societies. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War 2.

Call in between 11am and 4pm.

Free, donations welcome, hot and cold drinks available to purchase from our mini foyer café.

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Young Elizabeth: Dr Nicola Tallis in conversation with Jo Durrant
Aug
2
2:30 PM14:30

Young Elizabeth: Dr Nicola Tallis in conversation with Jo Durrant

She’s one of England’s most famous monarchs, but queenship was by no means certain for Elizabeth I. Before she was three years old she had been a princess and then declared illegitimate following the brutal execution of her mother, Anne Boleyn. Many dangers and tragedies plagued her early life and by the time she did succeed to the throne in November 1558, she’d experienced more drama than most at the age of just 25.

Dr Nicola Tallis explores all of this turbulence and more in her book ‘Young Elizabeth’. Nicola is a historian and author who has also written about the lives of Lady Jane Grey and Margaret Beaufort. She joins Jo Durrant to talk about the longest reigning Tudor and some other incredible women from history.

Dr Nicola Tallis is an independent author and historian, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. She has worked as a curator, researcher, and lecturer, and specialises in the use of jewels in late medieval and Tudor England. Nicola has spoken at many prestigious events and venues including the Emirates Festival of Literature, the Tower of London, Hampton Court, and the National Archives. She has made numerous television and radio appearances, including on BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?, Channel 5’s The Vikings and The Gunpowder Plot, and Channel 4’s Frankie Boyle’s Farewell to the Monarchy. Nicola is the author of five books, and her latest, Young Elizabeth: Princess. Prisoner. Queen. was Book of the Week in The Times.

This event is part of Jo Durrant’s ‘Our Beautiful Universe’ series and takes place in the Pavilion in the Museum's beautiful Walled Garden. Tea and coffee included and there will be a chance to ask questions or share ideas after the talk if you so wish. 

Tickets £7 / £5 including tea and coffee. Museum Members can bring a guest for free - look out for our ‘2 for 1’ ticket offer. Book online or call 01453 763394.

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As You Like It: Outdoor Theatre Show by the Festival Players
Aug
1
7:00 PM19:00

As You Like It: Outdoor Theatre Show by the Festival Players

‘As You Like It’ is probably Shakespeare’s most entrancing romantic comedy. Rosalind, the daughter of a displaced Duke, is banished from the court by her Father’s brother. Along with her cousin Celia, she escapes to the Forest of Arden and disguises herself as a man. She teases Orlando, a young man, who does not recognise her as the girl he loved at a distance. The pastoral world of the Forest is inhabited with a colourful array of folk, looking for love, and woven into this delightful tale, full of comedy and music.

An outdoor performance in the Museum’s beautiful Walled Garden. Please bring warm layers and weather-appropriate clothing, and rugs or low-backed camping chairs to sit on. Gates open at 6pm for picnics, show starts at 7pm.

Advance booking highly recommended to secure your tickets!

Tickets £16, Concs & children (5 - 17 year olds) £15 (under 5s free)

Book online or call 01453 763394

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Cutting & Sticking! Family Drop-in Activity
Jul
31
11:00 AM11:00

Cutting & Sticking! Family Drop-in Activity

Get cutting and sticking at our family activity table where you’ll find an array of colourful papers to play with. Relax and have fun playing with colours and shapes, and make a collage or card to take home with you. A family activity for all ages, but ideal for ages 5+. For adults and children to enjoy together.

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Our Fantastic Future! Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Martha Lightfoot
Jul
30
11:00 AM11:00

Our Fantastic Future! Family Drop-in Workshop with Artist Martha Lightfoot

Join the wonderful Stroud-based illustrator Martha Lightfoot for a fun-filled art and drawing session exploring what our future could look like. Think positive, dream big, get doodling and create a fabulous ‘future forecast’ for yourself, your friends and your community. For all ages but great for 5+ .. for families to enjoy together.

£1 per child suggested donation - no need to book, just come along!

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Amazing Archaeology: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session
Jul
29
2:00 PM14:00

Amazing Archaeology: Museum Inspired Relaxed Family Session

We are trialling pre-bookable sessions aimed at families with neurodivergent children who and children with additional access requirements who need a relaxed environment to enjoy these activities.

We invite you to discover and explore together through this range of family-friendly activities designed to help bring the theme of archaeology alive.

Think like an archaeologist by testing your skills at recognising different materials and identifying some objects from the past. Dig up some finds in our mini archaeological dig, and record what you find.  Make a paper skeleton and think about how burials help us learn about people from the past. Step back in time and create mosaic patterns inspired by the Romans, write on a Victorian slate and create your own Anglo-Saxon style brooch to take away before exploring the museum, if you would like.

Designed for families with children over 5 years old who need a more relaxed experience. We ask other visitors to please understand that tickets for this session are reserved for families with children with this need.

The session will run between 2pm and 3pm in the Pavilion at Museum in the Park. All activities are optional, and we will support families taking part in the activities as much or as little as they choose. To support a relaxed environment, there are 10 child tickets available to pre-book. Children must be accompanied, although accompanying adults do not need a ticket.

£1 per child. Please prebook online or call 01453 763394.

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