Holst Victorian House

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Holst Victorian House Step back in time at Holst Victorian House, the home where composer Gustav Holst was born in 1874

The fated hour is nigh!Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to The Pre-Raphaelites launches Saturday 10 October at Holst...
29/09/2026

The fated hour is nigh!

Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to The Pre-Raphaelites launches Saturday 10 October at Holst Victorian House, Cheltenham.

And if you're looking to liven up your autumn, we have several tie-in events exploring the Gothic-Romantic background of this fascinating artist:

Theodor von Holst by Candlelight 31/10/26 5.30-7 pm
Treat yourself to an evening of eeriness this Halloween.

Page Scribblers: Writing Gothic & Supernatural Fiction 2/11/26 10 am-4 pm
Create your own strange tales.

Gothic Zine Making 10/11/26 6 - 8 pm
Make a mini gothic magazine

Max Browne in Conversation 12/11/26 6-8 pm
Discover how Max Browne rediscovered Theodor's work over fifty years ago.

Gothic-Romantic Book Group: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley 24/11/26 6-8 pm
Discuss this Gothic masterpiece around a crackling fire in the Victorian Kitchen.

To book, visit www.holstvictorianhouse.org.uk

Gothic Nights: Gothic-Romantic Book Group – Frankenstein by Mary ShelleyTuesday 24th November 2026 6pm - 8pm Welcome to ...
29/09/2026

Gothic Nights: Gothic-Romantic Book Group – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Tuesday 24th November 2026
6pm - 8pm

Welcome to the historic book group with a Gothic-Romantic twist! As part of our current exhibition, Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites, we will be holding two special book groups exploring influential Gothic-Romantic books of the early 19th century.

In November we will be reading Mary Shelley’s groundbreaking masterpiece, Frankenstein, which was first illustrated by Theodor von Holst.

Includes refreshments and time to visit the museum and exhibition.
6-7 Book Discussion
7pm Refreshments and time to visit exhibition after dark!

Led by Laura Kinnear.
£5 (Plus Annual Pass).

Booking Essential as numbers are limited: https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/book-group-frankenstein/?occurrence=2026-11-24

29/09/2026

Admire previously unseen works by the original illustrator of Frankenstein at the birthplace of his great nephew, Gustav Holst, this autumn.

Find out more on SoGlos. 👉 https://pulse.ly/mnrx6xahzb

We are open Monday, 21st September, for Gustav Holst's 152nd birthday 🎈🎈🎂🎈🎈 Visit any time between 10 am and 3.30 pm on ...
18/09/2026

We are open Monday, 21st September, for Gustav Holst's 152nd birthday 🎈🎈🎂🎈🎈
Visit any time between 10 am and 3.30 pm on this special day.
There will also be music and singing to honour Cheltenham 's most famous son.
Pianist John Wright and soprano Helen Wright will be entertaining visitors between 11am and 11.45am. No booking required, so just come along.

Join us for a spellbinding celebration of Gustav Holst's music and legacy at the annual Holst Birthday Concert on Saturd...
02/09/2026

Join us for a spellbinding celebration of Gustav Holst's music and legacy at the annual Holst Birthday Concert on Saturday 19 September 2026 11.15-1pm.

Held at the beautiful All Saints Church in Cheltenham, it features a programme of songs by Holst and his friend Vaughan Williams performed by Gareth Brynmor John (baritone) and William Vann
(piano).

For more information and how to book, please see our website.

COMING SOON! NEW FOR AUTUMN 2026Exhibition: Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites10 October 2026 -...
04/08/2026

COMING SOON! NEW FOR AUTUMN 2026

Exhibition: Theodor von Holst: From Frankenstein to the Pre-Raphaelites

10 October 2026 - 30 May 2027

Discover the remarkable art of Theodor von Holst (1810-1844), Gustav Holst’s great-uncle and one of Britain’s most overlooked Romantic artists.

Best known as the first illustrator of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Theodor also created striking paintings that helped pave the way for the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

This special exhibition brings together rarely seen works from private collections, displayed alongside Holst Victorian House’s own permanent collection. Highlights include a recently discovered self-portrait and the dramatic Spanish Lady, exhibited together within the museum’s authentic Victorian interiors.

A fully illustrated catalogue, written by the von Holst scholar Max Browne, will be available as part of the exhibition.

Free with general admission to the museum.

Look out for a programme of special events inspired by the exhibition, including Museum by Candlelight evenings, talks, creative workshops and book events to be announced soon.

The Spanish Lady © Private Collection. Licensed to Holst Victorian House. No reproduction, distribution or reuse without written permission.

We have two fun-filled drop-in craft days coming up this summer. Inspired by Ernest Cossart, Gustav's film star brother,...
15/07/2026

We have two fun-filled drop-in craft days coming up this summer. Inspired by Ernest Cossart, Gustav's film star brother, we will be travelling to the Golden Age of Hollywood!

Hollywood VIP Passes
Wednesday 29th July
Drop in any time 11am – 3pm
Hollywood VIP Passes. Lights, camera, action!
Get crafty this summer and make your own VIP pass inspired by Hollywood film star Ernest Cossart. Then rummage through our box of props and costumes and strike a pose on our pop up ‘red carpet’*. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help. After this you can follow our popular trails to explore the house at your leisure.

Hollywood Snacks
Wednesday 12th August
Drop in any time 11am – 3pm
Hollywood snacks – Decorate your own snack box and fill it with popcorn for a movie night!
Be inspired by Ernest Cossart’s films and the golden age of Hollywood! Join us in the Museum’s airy Victorian Kitchen to have a go at making a one-of-a-kind snack box to fill with popcorn. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help. After this you can follow our popular trails to explore the house at your leisure.

Both activities suitable for children of all ages. Remember, under 16s are FREE at Holst Victorian House with a paying adult or annual pass holder.
All materials provided.

Looking to explore the charms of Cheltenham a bit more this summer?Then our new Cheltenham tour is for you!Join expert g...
30/06/2026

Looking to explore the charms of Cheltenham a bit more this summer?

Then our new Cheltenham tour is for you!

Join expert guide, Sabine Orton on a walking tour in stunning Pittville - followed by a trip to the magical Holst Victorian House.

Medicinal Waters & Magical Music – A New Walking Tour

This new 90-minute walking tour delves into the rich history of the Pittville estate, developed as a glamorous setting for visiting spa tourists and wealthy residents. Along the way, you’ll discover the stories of some of the people who made Pittville their home, including the composer Gustav Holst. The tour starts and ends at Holst Victorian House, the birthplace of Gustav Holst, and your ticket includes free museum admission (valid for a whole year).

There are various dates throughout July and August. Please check the Holst Victorian House website for further details.

From Pittville to Hollywood: Gustav’s Film Star BrotherMarlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan.....
15/06/2026

From Pittville to Hollywood: Gustav’s Film Star Brother

Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Humphrey Bogart, Ronald Reagan...

Just some of the Hollywood stars who Ernest Cossart, born Emil von Holst, acted alongside in a string of 1930s and 1940s films.

Younger brother to Gustav, Ernest left Cheltenham as a young man for the London stage and ultimately Hollywood.

To celebrate Ernest's 150th Birthday this year (he was born on September 24th 1876), Holst Victorian House has a special case display devoted to his story. With original Hollywood stills, letters and family photographs, the display is not to be missed if you are interested in the Holst family story and early Hollywood.

https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/exhibition-from-pitville-to-hollywood-gustavs-film-star-brother-20260523/?occurrence=2026-05-23

Exhibition continues until 29 May 2027 during museum opening hours
Free with general admission

Passionate about heritage? Enjoy engaging with the public? Or just want to meet new people?Then becoming a Holst Victori...
01/06/2026

Passionate about heritage? Enjoy engaging with the public? Or just want to meet new people?

Then becoming a Holst Victorian House volunteer might just be for you!

Come along and find out more at our Volunteer Open Day Drop-in at Holst Victorian House on Thursday 4 June 10.30am-2.30pm.

Pop in, chat with our friendly team, explore the house, and find out how rewarding volunteering can be. No experience needed, just enthusiasm and curiosity.

Find us at 4 Clarence Road, Pittville, Cheltenham, GL52 2AY, and see how you can help preserve and share our local history!

https://holstvictorianhouse.org.uk/whats-on/events/volunteer-open-day-drop-in-20260604/

Address

4 Clarence Road
Cheltenham
GL522AY

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441242524846

Website

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