Grosvenor Museum
27 Grosvenor Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2DD
England
Website
ruth.marshall@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone
General Switchboard
01244 972197
Central Office
01244 972109
Education/School Bookings
01244 72120
Fax
01244 347587
The Grosvenor Museum was founded in 1885 and its origins are linked to the foundation of the Chester Society of Natural Science Literature & Art by Charles Kingsley (the famous author)in 1871, and to the Chester Archaeological Society. The museum is redbrick, designed by Thomas Meakin Lockwood of Chester and was built on land and with money donated by the first Duke of Westminster and by public subscription. The Museum is famous for an internationally important collection of Roman Stones but also has collections of Art, Silver, Social History & Natural History. There is a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions. The Museum shop is well worth a visit and we have strong community links and an active education service.
Venue Type:
Museum
Additional info
We run a wide range of activities for children particularly in school holidays. Please note for events involving children - Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times - and in general children should always be accompanied.
27 Grosvenor Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2DD
England
Website
ruth.marshall@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone
General Switchboard
01244 972197
Central Office
01244 972109
Education/School Bookings
01244 72120
Fax
01244 347587
Primarily Roman, including an internationally important collection of Roman Stones, and archaeological finds from the surrounding area - the collections also covers Fine Art, Natural History, Local Silver, Period House Room displays & small costume gallery, Timeline gallery. Rolling programme of varying temporary exhibitions.
Collection details
Weapons and War, Toys and Hobbies, Social History, Personalities, Natural Sciences, Music, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles, Coins and Medals, Archaeology, Religion, World Cultures, Trade and Commerce
Key artists and exhibits
- Roman Inscribed and Sculpted Stones
- Varied Art Collection - medieval to modern - all mediums
- Extensive Chester Silver collection including Delamere Horn
- Period Room displays from the 16th century onwards in the Period House
- Louise Rayner watercolours - not always on display due to light exposure
- Charles Kingsley - Natural history collections
- Victorian & Edwardian costume
- Agricola lead pig & other Roman artefacts - glass/jewellery/Samian Ware
- Willoughby Gardiner coin collection & other coins, medals & tokens
- Medieval shoes
Collections services
- General guide to collections available
- Object identification and/or written enquiry service
- Public access available to collections information
- Specialist publications on collections available
- Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
27 Grosvenor Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2DD
England
Website
ruth.marshall@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone
General Switchboard
01244 972197
Central Office
01244 972109
Education/School Bookings
01244 72120
Fax
01244 347587
The Head that Wears the Crown: Exhibition Tour
Join Dr James Pardoe for a guided tour of the exhibition 'The Head that Wears the Crown' which decodes the representation of monarchy and monarchs through their portraits, considers the political and social context of the times in which they were made, and explores Chester's long relationship with the Crown
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
2-3pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery Two
The head that wears the Crown: Decoding Royal portraits in Chester
This exhibition explores the city's wealth of royal sculpture and portraits. Selection by James Pardoe Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Chester
Where
Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery Two
Olympic Posters
This exhibition presents the complete set of official Summer Olympic Posters from the Olympic foundation in Lausanne, featuring some of the most famous sporting images of all time. The posters are remarkably evocative of the times which produced them, from the Belle Epoque grandeur, through Art Deco, via Op and Pop and minimalism in the 60s, to Postmodernist. Each offers a vivid snapshot of the ever changing world of sport and politics which is the context of The Olympics through the ages
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery Two
Admission
Free
Colourful Impressions: The Joy of Modern Prints
Take a look at the museum's large and rich collection of modern prints - from David Hockney to John Piper, Patrick Heron to Eduardo Paolozzi. Celebrate the diversity of British printmaking over the past 60 years
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery One
Admission
free
Taking the Reins: Horses in Cheshire
Humans & horses have worked together with great success ever since the first horses were domesticated around 4000BC. We use these adaaptable creatures as a method of transport, providers of entertainment, sport, company, and tools of war. The exhibition looks at the roles horses have played in Cheshire from Roman cavalry horses to the modern day.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery One
Admission
free
Fifties Frocks: Female Fashion from the 1950s
This small exhibition shows day and evening dresses, cocktail and dance dresses, ranging from Parisian Haute couture of Dior and Jacques Fath to those made in Wilmslow and Liverpool. With their nipped in waists, full skirts and fitted bodices they epitomise the elegance, glamour and femininity of fashion's golden age.
Suitable for
- 18+
- 16-17
- 14-15
Where
Grosvenor Museum Costume Gallery
27 Grosvenor Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2DD
England
Website
ruth.marshall@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone
General Switchboard
01244 972197
Central Office
01244 972109
Education/School Bookings
01244 72120
Fax
01244 347587
Medieval Queenship: Ideal and Reality
Contrary to popular conceptions the life of a medieval queen was not easy. Married for political and dynastic reasons, her role was heavily prescribed. This lecture explores contemporary expectations and considers some examples of both successful and unsuccessful queens. Lecture by Diana Dunn of the Uni of Chester. Includes an opportunity to have your questions answered.
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
- 18+
When
1-2pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
£3 pay on the door
Victorian Valentine Cards
Victorian Valentine cards were often highly intricate and lacey creations. Drop in and make your own ornate card to give to the love of your life.
Suitable for
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Royal Crowns
Be inspired by the Kings and Queens in our Royal Portraits exhibition and design a crown to wow the crowds
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 5-6
- 14-15
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Fairy Tales of Kings and Queens
Professional story teller Helen Stewart will be telling magical fairy stories about kings and queens throughout the day
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Webster Gallery
Royal Flags
Make a sparkling flag to celebrate The Queen's Diamond Jubilee year.
Suitable for
- 0-4
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- Especially for children
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Easy Printing, Great Results
There are many different types of printmaking, such as linocuts in our Modern Prints exhibition. Come and try your hand at a very simple method and make your own print to take home. You may need to wait for a place as space is limited
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- Especially for children
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Some Famous Courtesans
Michael Murphy explores the fascinating and murky world of the 'ladies of the night' and their exploits with their equally famous lovers!
When
7:30-9pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Grosvenor Museum Society members free, Non members £4, students £2 with card
Colourful Impressions: Exhibition Tour
This guided tour will introduce the exhibition 'Colourful Impressions: The Joy of Modern Print' which presents the museum's large and rich collection, exploring a wide range of techniques, styles and subjects, and celebrating the remarkable diversity of British printmaking over the past sixty years.
When
2-3pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Exhibition Gallery One
Royal Chester Walk
Chester has long been known as a loyal and ancient city, with a townscape rich in references to royal connections. The Town Hall was opened by the then Prince of Wales in 1869, the Cathedral was a Benedictine monastery dedicated to the daughter of a Saxon king, and on emerging from Chester Railway Station we see the Queen Hotel with a splendid statue of Queen Victoria above its main entrance. Join a member of the Guild of Chester Tour Guides for a walk around royal Chester
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
2-3:30pm
Where
Meet at the Grosvenor Museum
Admission
Free but booking essential at the Museum Shop on 01244 972112. Walk occurs on 7th March and 28th March 2012
International Bagpipe Day
A special presentation to mark International Bagpipe Day. Discover the story of English bagpipes in history & folklore, with performances of music on a range of bagpipes and the chance to try the instrument for yourself
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
11am-12pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Early Stuart Chester as a Centre for Regional Painting
Conventional accounts of early Stuart painting imply that London was the sole centre of activities while provincial England remained a cultural wasteland. In fact painters of all sorts were active in the regions as well. Professor Robert Tittler will demonstrate that Chester presents the best example of English provincial painting during the period 1600-1640. Over 30 painters worked here, producing portraits which bear characteristics distinct to that time and place. Lecture organised by Grosvenor Museum Society
Suitable for
- 18+
When
7:30-9pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Grosvenor Museum Society members free, non members £4 (students £2)
Early Stuart Chester as a Centre for Regional Painting
Professor Tittler taught at Loyola College of Montreal and Concordia University. He has been a Visiting Professor of History at Yale (1998) and an Hon. Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban History at the University of Leicester (2006). He is currently engaged in research on the social and economic context of English portraiture, the regionality of English culture to c. 1640, and the formation of 'publics' for cultural activity and consumption in Early Modern England. Join him for this revealing insight into early Stuart times. Includes an opportunity to have your questions answered.
Suitable for
- 16-17
- 18+
- Not suitable for children
When
7:30-9pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Grosvenor Museum Society members free, Non members £4, students £2 with card
The Art of Michael Sandle: Time, Memory and Allegory
Michael Sandle RA is one of Britain's most respected sculptors, draughtsmen and printmaker. He studied at Chester School of Art in the 1950s and has since enjoyed a brilliant international career. In this lecture he explores the themes of time memory and allegory across the full range of his extraordinarily powerful work
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
2-3pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Free
Royal Chester Walk
Chester has long been known as a loyal and ancient city, with a townscape rich in references to royal connections. The Town Hall was opened by the then Prince of Wales in 1869, the Cathedral was a Benedictine monastery dedicated to the daughter of a Saxon king, and on emerging from Chester Railway Station we see the Queen Hotel with a splendid statue of Queen Victoria above its main entrance. Join a member of the Guild of Chester Tour Guides for a walk around royal Chester
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
2-3:30pm
Where
Meet at the Grosvenor Museum
Admission
Free but booking essential at the Museum Shop on 01244 972112. Walk occurs on 7th March and 28th March 2012
Royal Portraits: Image and Impact
Jennifer Scott, Assistant Curator of Paintings at the Royal Collection, assesses the role that portraiture has played in promoting the public and private face of monarchs from Richard II to Elizabeth II. From images of regal state to scenes of tender domesticity, with masterpieces by Holbein, Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Winterhalterand Annigoni, this lecture surveys the great pageant of Britain's royal portraits. Lecture organised by The Art Fund
Suitable for
- 18+
When
6:30-8:30pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
£15. To book send a cheque payable to The Art Fund and an S.A.E. to Mrs Anne Marr, 17 Deva Terrace, Chester CH3 5AJ
Easter Bonnets & Hats
Join us to design a crafty bonnet or hat to wear this Easter Holiday
Suitable for
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Printmaking Demonstration
Fine art students from Manchester School of Art will be working in the gallery in shifts to demonstrate the process of screenprinting. This drop in event is ideal for anyone who would like to know a bit more about how some of the pieces in our Modern Prints exhibition were produced.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 18+
- 16-17
When
10:30am-12:30pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Printmaking Demonstration
Fine art students from Manchester School of Art will be working in the gallery in shifts to demonstrate the process of screenprinting. This drop in event is ideal for anyone who would like to know a bit more about how some of the pieces in our Modern Prints exhibition were produced.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 18+
- 16-17
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Easter Egg Baskets
Make a gift-basket and fill it with chocolate eggs to give to your favourite person on Easter Sunday
Suitable for
- Any age
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Row Row Row Your Boat
Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee pageant on the River Thames by making your own Chester style rowing boat. Test it out on our mini-river
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Do you Remember ? Objects from the second Elizabethan Age
Use original objects and games to show the children how things used to be when you were younger. Selected from the museum's fascinating handling collection, these objects range from dressing room to kitchen playroom to study
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
11am-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Fossils
Fossils are the remains of animals and plants which have been turned into stone. Make a copy of one of the museum's very own fossils to take away. This event is always popular so you may need to wait during busy times
Suitable for
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
A War Time Mill
Stretton Watermill was never busier than during the Second World War and soon after, maintaining the supply of flour and animal feed in Britain. Take a tour of the mill with one of our millers and see the milling process in action. Have a go at some of the other jobs and pastimes of people living in rural Wartime Cheshire
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
12-5pm
Where
Stretton Watermill, Farndon, Cheshire (brown signed)
Admission
Free drop in activities. Mill tour £2 adult, 75p children
AGM + Cheshire Agriculture: Mid 19th Century to the present
Doug Haynes examines the 19th century agricultural practices of this famously agrarian county. Meeting includes the Annual General Meeting of the Society.
When
7:30-9pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Grosvenor Museum Society members free, Non members £4, students with card £2
Symbols or signs ? Discovering Prehistoric Phallic Objects
Dr Anne Teather, from the University of Chester, will discuss her recent research into the deposition of phallic artefacts discovered in a range of prehistoric sites. While female figures are more prevalent in Europe, phallic forms emerge in the Mesolithic in Britain and continue into the Bronze Age. She will review the range of interpretations offered for these artifacts, exploring possible reasons for their production and use
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-2pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum, Lecture Theatre
Admission
£3 pay on the door
Picture This! Exploring depictions of people in early medieval Northern Europe
In the early Medieval period (AD500-1000) depictions of people are not always 'portraits' but it is clear that artists paid attention to certain details - such as hairstyles to emphasise an individual's characteristics. This lecture by Dr Meggen Gondek, from the University of Chester, will explore some of these distinguishing traits and how people in the past might have expressed meaning through their depiction of the human body
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-2pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Tours of Chester Castle
Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070. A guide will show you the historical highlights of this unique group of buildings
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
11am-3:30pm
Where
Chester Castle - Tour meets at the Grosvenor Museum
Admission
Free, tours at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, & 2.30pm
Dealing with the dead: Mortuary practices in Mesolithic northwest Europe
The hunter-gatherers of the Mesolithic (c.9600-4000 BC) were some of the first communities to bury their dead in formal cemeteries, and inhumation has been regarded as the norm. Yet a huge variety of mortuary practices were still carried out varying in the way the body was treated and where the body was treated and where the body (or parts of it) were deposited. This lecture by Dr Amy Gray Jones, from the University of Chester, will explore the significance of these practices for our understanding of the way in which Mesolithic hunter-gatherers viewed death and the dead.
Suitable for
- 18+
When
1-2pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
£3 pay on the door
Face to Face
As part of the Local & Family History Fair at Chester History & Heritage come and meet some of the characters from Chester's criminal past. Help the judge decide their fate in court. Copies of their criminal records and family circumstances will be available to view.
Suitable for
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
11am-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Admission
Free - drop in session. Court Cases at 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30pm
Merseyside's Connections with The American Civil War
The American Civil War impacted heavily on Liverpool - because cotton from the American South came through the port, to supply the mills of Lancashire. The Union’s blockade effectively stopped the trade, mills became idle, and no work meant no pay in those days. The United States tried to repair the damage caused by their blockade by sending food supplies to relieve some of the suffering. This lecture by Len Ellison reveals the complexities and impact of the war on lives on both sides of the Atlantic. Includes an opportunity to have your questions answered.
Suitable for
- 18+
- 16-17
When
7:30-9pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Grosvenor Museum Society members free, Non members £4, students with card £2
Roman Festival
The largest Roman Festival of its kind will gather legions from across the empire to recreate a Roman village, and to demonstrate crafts, trades and gladiatorial combat. Activities and handling sessions will take place at the Museum and in the Grosvenor Park in Chester to inspire visitors of all ages.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
11am-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Park & Amphitheatre Chester, & The Grosvenor Museum
Admission
Free drop in and join in. Grosvenor Park and Amphitheatre 11-4pm Saturday,
Grosvenor Museum 11-4 Saturday & 1-4pm Sunday
Roman Festival
The largest Roman Festival of its kind will gather legions from across the empire to recreate a Roman village, and to demonstrate crafts, trades and gladiatorial combat. Activities and handling sessions will take place at the Museum and in the Grosvenor Park in Chester to inspire visitors of all ages.
Suitable for
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16-17
- 18+
When
1-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Park & Amphitheatre Chester, & The Grosvenor Museum
Admission
Free drop in and join in. Grosvenor Park and Amphitheatre 11-4pm Saturday,
Grosvenor Museum 11-4 Saturday & 1-4pm Sunday
Jubilee Bunting
Create a long strip of colourful bunting to decorate your home for The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Jubilee Treasure Chests
make a sparkling treasure chest to keep your family's jewels in
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Piggery Jokery
Piggery Jokery is a whimsical look at the changing seasons. The story is played out by the Green Man and his bunch of rag-bag puppet characters, and accompanied musically by his hurdy gurdy plaing 'Droning Crone'
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
11am-2:30pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Lecture Theatre
Admission
Performances at 11am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm
Free tickets available 30 minutes before each performance
Racing Horses
Design your jockey silks, choose the colour of your horse, then race your champion around our race course
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
Olympic Medals
To celebrate the 2012 Olympics, design & make your own medals to award to the winners in your house
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
2-4pm
Where
Grosvenor Museum Newstead Gallery
The Minstrel's Court
Medieval musicians came to St John's Church in Chester to be granted their licence to perform over the coming year. This tradition is being re-enacted with music, dancing, storytelling and a host of costumed Medieval characters
Suitable for
- Any age
When
11am-4pm
Where
St John's Church next to the Roman Amphitheatre, Chester
27 Grosvenor Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2DD
England
Website
ruth.marshall@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone
General Switchboard
01244 972197
Central Office
01244 972109
Education/School Bookings
01244 72120
Fax
01244 347587
Roman Tours
We now have armour which the children can wear whilst on the Roman Soldier guided tours. This gives scope for the imagination and allows the children to feel more involved in the experience.
How to obtain
To obtain further information and to book tours please ring Lorna Kernahan Moore on 01244 972120, Kate Harland on 01244 972066 or Fran Bray on 01244 972089
Teacher Packs
Teaching Packs
How to obtain
Ring 01244 972120 and ask for Lorna Kernahan Moore to make a school booking, or for the Education department call 01244 972066 to speak to Kate Harland, or Fran Bray on 01244 972089.
27 Grosvenor Street
Chester
Cheshire
CH1 2DD
England
Website
ruth.marshall@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone
General Switchboard
01244 972197
Central Office
01244 972109
Education/School Bookings
01244 72120
Fax
01244 347587
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