Cheltenham's historic Holst Victorian House is celebrating its 50th year in 2025 and is hosting a brand-new exhibition to mark the occasion.
Taking place this summer, 'From Bombs to Bellbottoms' will see two of the museum's 19th century rooms filled with local residents' items and objects, to show visitors what the house would have looked like as a domestic dwelling during the 20th century.
The exhibition is being carefully curated to tell the stories of its past inhabitants, with a 1940s sitting room inspired by the Doxey family, who lived in the house from 1935 until 1956, including during World War II; a 1950s and 60s fridge and washing machine, inspired by the Garlick family, who lived in the house in 1956 and rented surplus rooms to lodgers, including students from what is now the University of Gloucestershire; and a 1970s fashion student's bedroom, inspired by the memories of a local student living in a similar house in Pittville.
In keeping with the musical theme of the Holst Victorian House, visitors to the exhibition can also learn more about former resident Peter Garlick, who studied at the Royal Academy of Music and went on to be the accompanist for actress and singer Diana Dors.
The museum has created a special newspaper to help guide visitors around the exhibition, supplementing its existing Victorian Room Guide; and there'll also be a display of items from its archives, documenting its 50 years as a museum.
The Holst Victorian House is appealing to the community to loan period objects and share their own stories to be included in the exhibition, too.
Anyone who has ornaments, textiles or domestic items suitable for a 1940s sitting room or 1970s bedroom are invited to get in touch and send photos of their items.
It is also keen to hear from any former residents of 4 Clarence Road, formerly 4 Pittville Terrace, to share their memories of living in the house.
Holst Victorian House's curator, Laura Kinnear, said: 'We are very excited to share a whole different aspect of the Holst Victorian House with visitors this summer. The house wasn’t only home to Gustav Holst – many people made it theirs over its nearly two hundred year history. We hope that the 20th-century rooms will be a catalyst for memories and conversation about more recent domestic lives and also be a source of enjoyment and fun.
'It is also wonderful to involve the public in creating the display. We can’t wait to see what items people have from the 1940s and 1970s to help bring the room sets to life.'
'From Bombs to Bellbottoms' runs from Saturday 19 July until Sunday 21 September 2025.
Admission to Holst Victorian House costs £10 for adults and is free for children under 16.
