Winterbourne’s Edwardian Wonderland
Visitors to Winterbourne Botanic Garden will be able to explore the estate in full when Winterbourne House opens its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday 1st May.
Winterbourne is one of the best surviving examples of an Edwardian Arts and Crafts Garden and visitors will now be able to delve into the rich history of the house - built for the prestigious Nettlefold family in 1903.
Opening as a heritage attraction, Winterbourne House has been restored to its Edwardian splendour, revealing what life was life for the families who lived here during the height of the Arts and Craft movement.
Downstairs, the furnishings represent how the rooms would have appeared when the Nettlefold’s occupied the house over 100 years ago, with beautiful Arts and Crafts furniture and ornaments on display.
An Exhibition Room highlights the importance of Winterbourne within the community via interactive exhibits which tell the stories of the house and it’s occupants through the people who lived and worked here over the years.
In the Study, learn more about John Nettlefold’s work as head of family firm GKN - the largest screw, nut and bolt manufacturer in the world – together with his pioneer work as the chair of the first housing committee in Birmingham.
Hands-on exhibits in the Drawing Room reveal who influenced Margaret Nettlefold to design Winterbourne’s Grade II listed garden, with its sandstone rock garden, unusual nut walk and striking colour-themed borders.
A new tea-room offers refreshments including light-lunches and cream teas, enabling visitors to relax and take in the view of the gardens, providing colour and interest throughout the year.
An exciting line-up of family weekend events completes the visitor experience, along with a programme of creative courses for adults and school group activities.
Winterbourne House and Garden is open from 10am-6pm and is based on Edgbaston Park Road, forming part of the University of Birmingham’s campus. Winterbourne House is free of charge and entry to the Botanic Garden costs £4.50 for adults.
For more information please view www.winterbourne.org.uk or call 0121 414 3003.
To contact the Winterbourne Press Office, please call Annabel Iles: Tel: 0121 414 9113 or email a.r.iles@bham.ac.uk
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