• New permanent exhibition opens at Worcester County Museum at Hartlebury Castle celebrating all things 1950s.
  • From immersive interior sets including a 1950s Milk Bar featuring a 50s jukebox to costumes, one of the first ever dishwashers’ visitors can see for themselves how the post-war economy boomed.
  • Find out more here: Lavish Living – Museums Worcestershire

Lavish Living: Worcestershire in the 1950s, the new permanent exhibition at Worcestershire County Museum at Hartlebury Castle invites visitors to take a nostalgic look at life in the 1950s. The exhibition officially opens from 4 July 2021.

Lavish Living allows visitors to step back into the past, with immersive interior sets including a 1950s Milk Bar and wonderful items from the museum collection such as beautiful costume, a fabulous jukebox, and one of the first ever dishwashers.

Claire Cheshire, Curator, Worcestershire County Museum said: “We are delighted to welcome people to this exhibition. We had such a lot of fun putting it together!

“We really hope it captures the excitement and optimism of the era and that some of our visitors enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time to their youth.”

The 1950s is sometimes referred to as the ‘optimistic’ decade. Although some of the hardships of the previous decades lingered on – some items were still being rationed as late as 1954 – Britain’s economy boomed and living standards rose rapidly too. Britain entered a new era of consumption, with labour-saving devices like vacuums and washing machines becoming the norm rather than the exception. For the first time working people had spare money and, crucially, increasing amounts of spare time in which to spend it.

It was a time of exciting cultural change: the golden age of cinema, the emergence of Rock’n’Roll and the increasing popularity of television which all transformed leisure time for the masses.

There will be something for the whole family to enjoy including activities for children, quiz to test visitor’s knowledge and a notice board where those who remember the 50s can contribute their memories.

The exhibition opens officially on 4 July, 11am – 4pm, staff and volunteers will be dressed in 50s style and visitors are welcome to join in – there will be a prize for the best dressed! Get into the swing of things and enjoy music by the fabulous Bluebird Belles who will be singing popular songs from the period in the Castle’s Great Hall. Children can get crafty with 1950s-inspired activities to make and take home too.

Hartlebury Castle is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11am – 5pm. For information on admission prices visit: www.hartleburycastle.com

ENDS

 

Exhibition Listing

Lavish Living: Worcestershire in the 1950s
Official Opening 4 July 2021

Hartlebury Castle is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am – 5pm and Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays, 11am – 5pm. For information on admission prices visit: www.hartleburycastle.com

The 1950s is sometimes referred to as the ‘optimistic’ decade. Although some of the hardships of the previous decades lingered on – some items were still being rationed as late as 1954 – Britain’s economy boomed and living standards rose rapidly too.

Our new permanent exhibition Lavish Living allows visitors to step back into the past, with immersive interior sets and wonderful items from the museum collection such as beautiful costume, a fabulous jukebox, and one of the first ever dishwashers. There will be something for the whole family to enjoy including activities for children, quiz to test your knowledge and a notice board where those who remember the 50s can contribute their memories.

 

Notes to Editors:

1950s celebration: Lavish Living exhibition grand opening
4 July, 11am – 4pm
Join us for the launch of our new exciting exhibition Lavish Living: Worcestershire in the 1950s.

Staff and volunteers will be dressed in 50s style and visitors are welcome to join in – there will be a prize for the best dressed! Get into the swing of things and enjoy music by the fabulous Bluebird Belles who will be singing popular songs from the period in the Castle’s Great Hall.

Learn all about the 1950s with a closer look at the Museum’s handling collection, plus beautiful costumes and jewellery from the period on display. Children can get crafty with 1950s-inspired activities to make and take home too (no extra charge for children’s activities).

Delicious refreshments will be available in the Castle’s Carriage Circle to enjoy during a stroll around the Castle’s grounds.

For information on admission prices visit: www.hartleburycastle.com

About Hartlebury Castle
Hartlebury Castle was home to the Bishops of Worcester for 1,000 years. Set in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside the Castle is owned by Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust and is a much-loved visitor attraction, wining the Visit England ‘Hidden Gem’ award for two years running. It is also home to the Worcestershire County Museum, and includes state rooms, themed galleries, historic grounds and wonderful collections of costume, toys and a national collection of gypsy caravans.

About Museums Worcestershire
Museums Worcestershire is the joint museum service of Worcester City and Worcestershire County Councils. It comprises three fantastic venues– Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, the Commandery in Worcester and The County Museum at Hartlebury Castle.

The collections and exhibitions at our sites are many and varied, covering centuries of the county’s history right up to the present day. Thousands of objects, including the historic buildings themselves, are brought to life through innovative exhibitions and events throughout the year.