Latest News
Royal Visits & Celebrations
14th June 2022
Royal Visits and Celebrations – A Film to Mark the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II As the Jubilee celebrations approached, Michael Hardy (Digital Engagement Curator at Barnsley Museums) explored the museum collections to look back on times when Her … Continue reading
Teacher Training
We now know more about the training of teachers in early 20th century Barnsley thanks to this find, spotted on an on-line auction by one of the volunteers for Barnsley Archives and Local Studies. Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust were … Continue reading
Worsbrough Workshop
New Schools workshops launch at Worsbrough Mill and Country Park Barnsley Museums Learning team have been piloting three new half day workshops for Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 at Worsbrough Mill to be launched … Continue reading
When Spencer Met Stanhope 
14th May 2022
Family Portraits at the Cannon Hall Museum Cannon Hall was the home of the Spencer Stanhopes from the 17th century until the 1950’s. For the first time, portraits of the family are on display, making connections between the different members of … Continue reading
Unique Item Transferred to Barnsley Archives & Local Studies
Back in 2016, Barnsley Museums commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Oaks Colliery Explosion with an exhibition at Experience Barnsley; a short film; and a volunteer project to produce a detailed and definitive list of the many victims. On that … Continue reading
Fantastic Barnsley Town Centre Events Throughout May
There are some fabulous events taking place in the Town Centre during the month of May. Coming up first is the Flavours Food Festival featuring a programme of food demonstrations and themed entertainment, along with more than 30 traders and … Continue reading
Exciting New Art Commissions Around The Borough
At the end of 2021, Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust was fortunate to secure an Additional Restrictions Grant awarded by the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority. This was part of the South Yorkshire Mayor’s Renewal Action Plan to support businesses … Continue reading
Walking at Wentworth Castle Gardens
Wentworth Castle Gardens is supporting the Barnsley Walking Festival this May. Earlier this year we held workshops for staff and volunteers interested in sharing our story and site through walks and tours. The wide range of ideas and the interest … Continue reading
Worsbrough Mill To Receive £180,000 Funding For Community Volunteering Opportunities
14th April 2022
Over 160 community organisations, including Worsbrough Mill are set to support 7,800 new volunteering opportunities over the next two years, as the Government has confirmed the beneficiaries of a £4.6 million fund that will level up access to the benefits … Continue reading
Boats Are Back at Cannon Hall Park and Gardens
With spring weather hopefully on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to explore Cannon Hall’s stunning park and gardens. There are trails, walks, play equipment and of course, the boats are sailing back for a second season! A real hit … Continue reading
Diana’s Legacy – Tales & Treasures From A Family In Service
We have recently been contacted by Diana Pattison whose family had for many years lived and worked at Wentworth Castle. Diana has very kindly offered to share her family treasures and stories with us, and here she tells us a … Continue reading
Women Business Owners of Eldon Street
As part of the Eldon Street High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) we have been working to uncover some of the hidden and untold stories of Eldon Street and the Victorian Arcade. These include many stories of women business owners … Continue reading
Exclusive Graham Ibbeson Exhibition Arrives @ The Glass Works
Opening in The Gallery @TheGlassworks is an exclusive new Graham Ibbeson Exhibition, showcasing iconic sculptures created by the Barnsley born artist. Casting Characters: The worlds of Graham Ibbeson is free to enter and runs from Saturday 26 March until Sunday … Continue reading
Co-Op’s History Celebrated Through Online Exhibition
From its opening in 1861, the Barnsley British Co-Operative society had a massive impact on the town. Providing many happy memories for shoppers and workers, it was more than just a local store. To celebrate the institution, Barnsley Archives and … Continue reading
Easter Activities @ The Barnsley Museums
Looking for something to do during the Easter holidays, check out these fabulous activities at the Barnsley Museums sites. Clay Play Victorian Easter Experience Wonderland Trail Make a Racket SENsational Teeny Tiny Travellers Club Perfect Print Penny’s Sculpture Quest Marvellous … Continue reading
New Artwork Arriving at Worsbrough Mill and Country Park
9th March 2022
Worsbrough Mill has welcomed willow weaver Maggie Cooper back to site, working with volunteers and visitors, she is leading on the creation of a piece of willow weaved public art. With thanks to funding from #CommunityBoostCentral #UKCommunityRenewalFund and South Yorkshire … Continue reading
Barnsley Serves the World
An Exciting New Exhibition at Experience Barnsley When you think of Wimbledon, Barnsley doesn’t immediately spring to mind, but did you know that for over 50 years, workers at the Slazenger factory in Barnsley made the tennis balls used at … Continue reading
Art Detectives Uncover Mystery of Cooper Collection Painting
A stunning piece of artwork, part of the Cooper Gallery’s outstanding collection, has been revealed as the work of an important Barnsley-born artist, Brenda Bury. For many years the painting – referred to as ‘Colonel Rowland Addy’ – remained quite … Continue reading
A New Exhibition Is Rolling Into The Cooper Gallery
A new extra{ordinary} exhibition rolled into the Cooper Gallery on Saturday, 19 February and is set to raise smiles with visitors. The national touring exhibition of over 100 colour photographs perfectly captures the quirks and humour of life in 21st Century … Continue reading
Cannon Hall North Range Glass House Restoration Complete
8th March 2022
With the help of funds from the Wolfson Foundation and the National Heritage Lottery Fund, a derelict building in Cannon Hall’s walled garden has been transformed into a modern and exciting learning space. The North Range was the first building … Continue reading
Uncovered Masterpiece Soon To Be On Display In Cannon Hall
10th February 2022
A recently uncovered masterpiece from the workshop of world renowned artist, Sir Anthony van Dyck, 17th-century Flemish court painter to King Charles I, will soon be on display in Cannon Hall Museum. The stunning painting has a fascinating history, with … Continue reading
Protect Barnsley’s History Through The South Yorkshire Local Heritage List
Barnsley is famous for its heritage. It’s packed with stunning historic buildings and locations, but are there some that people can help protect? The South Yorkshire Local Heritage List is a register of heritage assets that contribute to the distinctiveness … Continue reading
Words from Poet Laureate Bring Derelict Barnsley Alleyway Back to Life
Words by the Poet Laureate have been immortalised in neon lights in a project to restore part of the centre of Barnsley. The Sunset Neon artwork features a line from a specially written poem by Simon Armitage. But, instead of … Continue reading
Fabulous John Atkinson Grimshaw Painting Goes on Display at The Cooper Gallery
A stunning oil painting by John Atkinson Grimshaw has been allocated by HM Government to the fine art collection at the Cooper Gallery in Barnsley. The painting was transferred to the nation in lieu of Inheritance Tax under the Acceptance … Continue reading
Feel the Love This February Half Term
Please see details for all activities being held at our wonderful venues for the half term break.