Heritage Open Days, England’s largest community-led festival of history and culture returns this September, with a rare chance to go behind the scenes at a number of places and venues run by Walsall Council.

On Saturday 9 September Walsall Leather Museum will open its huge collection of historic photographs and trade catalogues documenting the town’s famous trade. The Museum’s reference library, which features a collection of books on all things leather, will also be open without appointment. Visitors are encouraged to bring along any photographs they may have of the Walsall leather industry and share any memories with the venue. 

The New Art Gallery Walsall is offering tours of their Collections Store on Saturday 16 September. Led by Collections Curator, Julie Brown, you will be able to see how thousands of artworks are stored when not on display, and learn about aspects of the collections management process. Furthermore, the Gallery are offering the opportunity for visitors to make special requests to see particular works or areas of interest. Due to limited numbers allowed in the Store at one time, this event must be booked in advance.

Also on Saturday 16 September, Willenhall Community Library will be opening up the Council Chamber Room on their first floor. Open only once a year, this municipal building was the headquarters of Willenhall Urban District Council before the area became part of the county borough of Walsall in 1966.

The imposing Council Chamber Room has maintained its original period features including ornate stained glass doors. The room will include displays highlighting the local area as well as a selection of traditional children’s games. Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Wellbeing, Leisure and Public Spaces, said:

“Heritage Open Days is a wonderful festival that allows people to discover treasures on their doorstep and explore the rich cultural heritage that surrounds them.

"We hope the festival highlights that there is so much in Walsall for both residents and visitors to see.”

Discover the full Heritage Open Days programme across England at heritageopendays.org.uk.