Hereford’s Black and White House Museum has reopened to the public this month following a refurbishment.
The refurbishment comes as part of a tourism strategy launched by Hereford Council to encourage groups to visit the city.
The museum building was originally built in 1621, and had many previous uses over the years. To begin with it was used as a butcher’s home and shop. By the late 1920s it was in the hands of Lloyds Bank, before becoming a museum in 1929.
What can groups expect at the museum?
The museum provides an insight into life in Hereford over the past four centuries, and groups will get to see what’s described as an internationally important collection of English furniture across several floors.
The first floor of the building features a formal dining parlour, an open fireplace, and a room where children visiting can dress up as butcher’s apprentices and kitchen maids.
On the second floor of the museum, visitors will see a bed chamber with an original 17th century bed, plus another activity area and dressing up zone – great for groups visiting with children.
Additionally, the museum provides access to a reception area and includes a shop offering a range of souvenirs and local craft products, along with a model of Hereford’s city centre in the 17th century.
The museum’s supervisor, Julia Radburn, said: “The new museum is very important to the future of Hereford and I’m confident that it is going to make a real contribution to our visitor economy and High Town’s thriving and distinctive street scene.”
For groups
The landmark building is being promoted as a helpful landmark for tour operators and GTOs to meet with their group.
The attraction is close to a main coach drop-off point and is a short walk from Hereford’s cathedral.
For those unable to climb stairs, the museum provides a virtual tour of the building on the ground floor.
For more information, visit www.blackandwhitehouse.org.
