On Thursday, October 11^th, Sally Hoban, Heritage & Training Officer at the Birmingham Assay Office, attended the opening of the new Birmingham history galleries at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. The £8.9m galleries have been supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. They present the history of the city from its origins in medieval times with Peter de Birmingham right up to the present day. Visitors will learn about the pivotal role that Birmingham has played in creating and shaping our modern world. Hundreds of artefacts are on display, many of which have never been seen on public display before. There are models, interactive displays and hands-on activities that help to bring the history of the city to life. ‘Birmingham: its people, its history’ has opened following extensive renovation of Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Much of the Grade II* listed building has been restored, uncovering some of the original features of the building. Sally says: ‘I was delighted to represent the Birmingham Assay Office at the opening of these wonderful new galleries. Visitors were amazed at the new space, which is light, bright and full of treasures that represent the contribution that the people of Birmingham have made to world history. You can see what we’ve made, how we’ve made it, what we are proud of and how we’ve changed the world through the brilliant objects that are on show. All ages will appreciate the new displays and enjoy looking at them. I particularly liked the Elkington pieces, the stained glass by Florence Camm and Mary Newill and the original letters from the exterior of the old HP Sauce building in Aston.’ Entry to the exhibition is free. For further information visit http://www.bmag.org.uk/new-birmingham-history-galleries

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