An exhibition of rare archive photographs of Bournville pictured alongside their modern day equivalent is to mark the reopening of one of Birmingham’s most historic visitor attractions.
Selly Manor Museum in Bournville, closed to the public since October due to Covid restrictions, will host the ‘Bournville: Then and Now’ exhibition from 18th May to 4th June.
Featuring over 300 captivating images, it will compare archive photographs with those from the present day, celebrating the people and places of Bournville which was created by Birmingham chocolate-maker and philanthropist George Cadbury.
Daniel Callicott, Manager of Selly Manor Museum, said: “We are thrilled to announce we will be re-opening Selly Manor Museum from 18th May in line with step three of the government’s roadmap.
“We think the ‘Bournville: Then and Now’ exhibition is the perfect way to mark our reopening, celebrating the people and places that made Bournville, and continue to make it, such a special place.
“The exhibition demonstrates that whilst places and people will evolve over many years, Bournville’s community spirit remains thriving, maybe even more so because of the challenges of the last year.”
The ‘Bournville: Now and Then’ exhibition has been created by the Bournville Society and follows on from the Museum’s sell out exhibition last autumn ‘Bournville through time’. It welcomed over 800 visitors and was so popular that it was extended by an extra two weeks.
Bob Booth, chair of the Bournville Society, said: “This latest Bournville Society exhibition gives you an opportunity to view one hundred years of subtle changes in Bournville.
“There are comparison pictures of housing, architecture, local advertisements, leisure facilities, well-known landmarks and the general views we cherish providing an historic record of Bournville in 2021.”
As well as being able to tour the exhibition, from 18th May visitors will be able to enjoy Selly Manor itself with a fun family trail, beautiful costumes and playful prompts on display as they explore the extraordinary historic house.
In the museum’s period garden, there will be a handmade butterfly trail for visitors to enjoy all the sights and sounds of spring. Selly Manor will also be relaunching its events programme for the summer, with theatre, crafts and mini-golf all in the pipeline.
For more information on what to expect, opening times and online bookings, please go to www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk. If you have any questions, you can also call the museum’s friendly team on 0121 472 0199.
Opened by George Cadbury, Selly Manor Museum is one of Birmingham’s most historic visitor attractions and welcomes thousands of people every year.
Made up of two distinct buildings, it brings Tudor history to life with interactive exhibits, tours, talks and special events.
George opened the museum after he rescued it from destruction and much of its beautiful collection was donated by the chocolate-maker’s son Laurence.
To find out more about Selly Manor Museum, please visit www.sellymanormuseum.org.uk