A brand-new, free, permanent exhibition at the Art Gallery & Museum is celebrating the story of Worcester through the words of those who live in it. Your Worcester features favourites from the museum collection together with new objects added to the collection by the community, all with a link to Worcester’s long and rich heritage.

Funded by Arts Council England, the exhibition features stories selected by Worcester people, based on their own unique passions and interests. The top ten items in Worcester’s collection have been voted for by residents - including the iconic Worcester pear which can be spotted throughout the exhibition, and the teeth of King John. The exhibition also celebrates the city’s connection to Lea & Perrins, and highlights the new objects donated and curated by the community - including a celebration of Worcester City Football Club and the clothes from Windrush arrivals to the city. The exhibition is designed by the community, for the community.

David Nash, Museums Worcestershire’s Curator of Social History said: “Your Worcester is not a potted history of Worcester. It aims to tell the story of a city through the words of those that know it best… the people that live in it. This pilot project is built upon five years of work discovering what local people want from their museum.” 

Ginny Lemon, who has contributed costume to the exhibition said: “I love Worcester, I love where I am from. From a young queer person’s perspective there is always the temptation to go to bigger cities... but for me, I love the surrounding area, I love being surrounded by friends and family and just the beauty of the place. It has a kind of magic, I always say it’s the magic that rolls off the hills from the Shire that keeps me here.” 

On Saturday 10 May, enjoy music, entertainment and refreshments at the Art Gallery and Museum to officially open the Your Worcester exhibition.

Alongside the exhibition there is the opportunity to book in for a series of Talks and Tours. The Stewards Chemist Shop High Dosage Talk will take place on the first Friday of every month at 11am and again at 2pm, and the Your Worcester Gallery Tour from September on alternate Saturdays at 11am and again at 2pm. These Talks and Tours cost £4.50 and should be booked in advance.

Your Worcester is a Museums Worcestershire project funded by Arts Council England, with support from The Esmee Fairbairn Collections Fund.

Worcester communities with a story or object to share can post their details via a post box that be found in the Your Worcester gallery or contact Museums Worcestershire via social media.

Entry to the museum is free. Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm. Sundays, 10am - 3pm. Closed Mondays and bank holidays.