Bilston Gallery
Free local gallery in a 1905 Victorian villa in Bilston with an exhibition on the industrial history of Bilston and the Black Country.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The building on Mount Pleasant was put up in 1905 as a villa for the Harper family, who were local lock makers, on the site of an older house linked to another lock-making family. After a spell as a girls' school from 1918 to 1930, it was altered and extended and opened as Bilston Art Gallery and Museum in 1937. Its first core collection was a gift of about a hundred paintings made that year.
In the 1990s the council reorganised its cultural services. The art collection moved to Wolverhampton Art Gallery and the museum was renamed Bilston Craft Gallery. The famous Bilston enamels were moved to Bantock House and returned in 2005, when a new craft gallery opened.
Today the venue is called Bilston Gallery and belongs to Wolverhampton Arts and Culture. It shares its locally listed building with Bilston Library. Its exhibition looks at the industrial history of Bilston and the Black Country, and a play room for young children is used for early years sessions.
Highlights
- Exhibition on the industrial history of Bilston and the Black Country
- Locally listed villa built in 1905
- Craft Play Room with sessions for under-sevens
- Shares the building with Bilston Library
Permanent exhibition
- Industrial history of Bilston and the Black Country – An exhibition on the industries and people of Bilston and the wider Black Country, including geology and local manufacturing.
- Founded
- 1937
- Operated by
- City of Wolverhampton Council
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Playground / play area
The Craft Play Room hosts early years sessions called Bilston Boddlers and Bilston Butterflies for children aged 0 to 7. Schools visits, workshops and parties are also offered through the Arts and Culture service.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | For school and group enquiries contact the learning team on +44 1902 552038. |
