WORCESTERSHIRE people have contributed a great deal to the world of art and industry, a contribution which we at the museum love to shout about.

During the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, BBC drones panned up the Thames Embankment and over the iconic dolphin lamps.

We saw the Queen Victoria Memorial on the Mall and looked through Buckingham Palace’s gates to the sounds of Jerusalem.

It may have appeared to be a celebration of all things British, but all of these places showcase the skills of Worcestershire: Hardy & Padmore’s Worcester Foundry cast the dolphin lamps, the memorial was the work of Worcester sculptor Sir Thomas Brock, the Palace’s beautiful wrought-iron gates are the artistry of The Bromsgrove Guild, and Jerusalem is the masterpiece of local composer Edward Elgar.

Whether it be Vesta Tilley, Royal Worcester Porcelain, Worcestershire Sauce or any high fashion gloves of note, many celebrated British arts and crafts have originated in Worcestershire.

In 1950 Winston Churchill was offered freedom of the City or Worcester. The visit itself ran without a hitch, but like many grand events the months of behinds-the-scenes preparation were where all the hard work took place.

Winston Churchill in the Guildhall

Winston Churchill in the Guildhall

There was extensive back and forth to secure the date, not to mention arranging a banquet at the Guildhall and efforts to find out how large Mr and Mrs Churchill’s hands were so that Fownes to manufacture precisely fitted gloves!

The photographs here show that the hard work paid off, with a shot of Churchill smiling in the Guildhall and the crowds which gathered in the High Street to celebrate his visit.

This story is one of many in the recent history of Worcester City which will be explored in the Worcester Life Stories exhibition, opening on Saturday, June 12, at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

The exhibition shines a light on the history of Worcester through the words of the city’s residents and a vast array of photographs taken over the last 70 years, capturing the streetscapes of Worcester and how they have changed.

This collaborative community project was led by Worcester City Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, with funding thanks to National Lottery players.

Discover more about Worcester Life Stories and plan your visit to Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum at museumsworcestershire.org.uk.