Aston Hall
Aston Hall
Trinity Road
Aston
Birmingham
B6 6JD
England
Website
Telephone
07842029477
Fax
0121 675 4740
One of the last great homes to be built in the flamboyant Jacobean style, the mansion which was built between 1618 and 1635 for Sir Thomas Holte. In 1643 the house was badly damaged in an attack by Parliamentary troops. Scars left by cannon-shot can still be seen on its magnificent Great Stairs. The house remained in the Holte family until 1817. It was then leased to James Watt Junior, the son of the great industrial pioneer, who lived there until his death. It was purchased by Birmingham Corporation in 1864.
The new 'Astonish' gallery, created as part of Aston Hall's redevelopment, tells the story of Aston, from the time Aston Hall was built, to the present day.
Astonish is a hands-on gallery, with plenty for everyone to do, from listening to oral histories and using computer interactives, to building your own town and dressing up as someone from Aston's past. There are also plenty of objects from Aston's past to see, from medals to motorbikes.
This museum has Designated Collections of national importance.
Venue Type:
Museum, Historic house or home
Today the house is displayed as a series of period rooms containing fine furniture, paintings, textiles and metal work from the collections of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
The Designated Collections at Aston Hall include: a decorative arts collection; a fine art collection; a social history collection; a textile collection; and a small collection of arms and armour.
Collection details
Weapons and War, Toys and Hobbies, Social History, Science and Technology, Personalities, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Costume and Textiles
Key artists and exhibits
- Jacobean
- Jacobean style mansion
- Sir Thomas Holte
- James Watt Junior
- Richard Bridgens
- Designated Collection
- Tapestry
- Nursery
- Servants
- Ceramics
- Silver
- Metalwork
- Arms
- Armour
- Furniture
Dig for History
- 30 July 2014
Aston Hall will be open from 12:00 to 16:00 with children's crafts, fossil hunts, sandpit digs, rubbish detective activities, trails and tours. Activities suitable for all ages. Most activities are drop-in, some will need to be booked on Reception on arrival.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£2.00 per person.
Website
http://www.bmag.org.uk/events?id=3294
Active Parks Playday in the Park
- 6 August 2014 11am-3pm
Sports, crafts, den building and lots of fun outdoor activities suitable for all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Free, drop-in event from 11:00 to 15:00 in Aston Park.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
http://www.bmag.org.uk/events?id=3299
Play in the Park
- 18 — 22 August 2014
Sports, games, crafts and much more, suitable for all ages!
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
You are very welcome to visit Aston Hall if you come along - please note that Aston Hall is not open on Monday 18 August, and normal admission charges apply during opening hours.
Drop in to the Park any time between 11:00 and 15:00.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website
http://www.bmag.org.uk/events?id=3301
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