We recently held a carriage open day at our museum stores during the Easter holidays. Our engagement and collections teams worked together to create a special behind the scenes experience for visitors.

We welcomed carriage fans, Staffordshire residents and new visitors, who all enjoyed taking a close up look at the carriages in their new home. There was also a chance to explore our art and textiles vaults and view social history objects on open shelving. There was a trail and badge making for the youngest visitors (and young at heart), and lots of time for staff to chat to visitors about our collections and the Staffordshire History Centre project.

In the image above our learning officer helps a young visitor make a badge as a keepsake.

A real highlight of the day was learning new information from our visitors about the design of our carriages and listening to them share memories inspired by the collections they were viewing. They also gave us lots of suggestions for future events and exhibitions.

The impressive state chariot drew a lot of attention with questions about it’s trips to two coronations – very topical! You can read more about it here. We also had the 1953 footman’s uniform out on display; I’m sure there will be similar outfits on show on the 6th May.

Two mannequins displaying elaborate footman’s uniforms in red and burgundy with gold decoration.

Save the date for our next stores open day on 9 September 2023, during Heritage Open Week; our theme will be unwrapping & unboxing creativity. For more details of our future open days or other activities visit our events page here.

Looking forward to seeing more visitors at our next open day.

Sarah – Engagement & Access Manager

Visitors exploring the stores.

The Dyott Family Coach Image Description: A Large yellow and black carriage in a museum store. A crest is painted on the door.