Explore, Reminisce and Play at the Stories of Childhood Exhibition 

Experience Barnsley’s latest exhibition, Stories of Childhood, opened on Saturday 8 February 2025 and gives visitors the chance to discover over a hundred years of childhood memories and experiences in Barnsley.  

The free exhibition is a celebration of themes that resonate with everyone: home, school and learning, toys and games, and special days. Each theme will be brought to life through toys and games, artworks, photos, videos and personal stories, all collated from the collections of Barnsley Museums and archives.   

A notable highlight of the exhibition is the striking portrait of Margaret Elizabeth Spencer Stanhope, painted by her aunt Winifred Spencer Stanhope (1872-1964), and very generously donated to the Cannon Hall collection by her grandson, James Fraser. Margaret, affectionately known as Betty, was the last resident of Cannon Hall, selling the Grade II* listed Georgian house to Barnsley Council in 1951. The portrait was recently conserved and reframed thanks to the generosity of the supporters of Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust. We are always delighted to be able to support projects which preserve the heritage of the borough for future generations, and if you would like to help us do more, please visit www.bmht.org to donate.    

The exhibition aims to spark conversations and evoke memories of childhood, offering something for everyone to relate to and enjoy. Visitors are encouraged to explore, reminisce, and play, making new connections with their own past and the experiences of others.  

To add some 21st century flair to the exhibition, Barnsley Museums did some contemporary collecting with local Burton Road School. Each child in the project got a chance to select a toy to contribute to the collection and received a version of the toy themselves. The pupils were taught about museum collecting and objects from different time periods.   

Younger visitors to the exhibition will enjoy a small play area for imaginative play with dress-up options. Lots of free, family-friendly activities and events will also be added throughout the year.  

Cllr Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “The Stories of Childhood exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diverse experiences of childhood here in Barnsley. We believe that every child deserves to have a wonderful and memorable childhood, and this exhibition reflects that vision. I encourage everyone, both young and old, to come and explore the rich history and shared memories showcased in this free exhibition.”  

For more information and updates on events and activities, please visit the Experience Barnsley website.  

Experience Barnsley Museum is conveniently located in Barnsley Town Hall, right in the heart of the town centre. It’s just a short walk from Barnsley Interchange, making it easily accessible by bus or train. If visiting by car, there’s plenty of parking available across the town.  

Experience Barnsley, along with the Cooper Gallery, offers a wonderful day out as part of a visit to the wider town centre or borough. You can immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences, whether you’re exploring the fascinating exhibitions or enjoying the artistic displays at the gallery.  

Barnsley Museums is a National Portfolio Organisation, and this exhibition is supported by Arts Council England funding.