Stories of Ernest and Sidney Barnsley

2026 marks the centenary of the death two of the Cotswolds’ greatest Arts and Crafts architects, the brothers Ernest and Sidney Barnsley. They moved, with their friend Ernest Gimson, to Gloucestershire in the 1890s, and all three stayed here for all their lives. This talk follows their life stories and their legacies, from youthful travels abroad to the work of their children and followers.

May 15,

10.30am

Museum in the Park, Stroud

Folk Tales and Legends of the Cotswolds

Discover mysterious, funny and romantic Cotswolds tales.This talk explores the tales told by the folk in the region over many centuries. Taking in wallowing pigs and ancient goddesses, a queen who may not be what you think she is, greedy kings, flying monks and wicked wizards, saints alive, little folk, big cats, and much more!

May 18,

7.30pm

Nailsworth Festival

'The English Arts and Crafts Movement at its best'?

Ernest Gimson and Sidney and his brother Ernest Barnsley moved to Gloucestershire in the early 1890s to live the simple life in the country and create craft.  This talk explores their creative process as designers of particularly furniture but also buildings, textiles, metalwork and plaster, and looks into their ideals and what drew their interest in the Cotswolds to inspire their work.

May 28,

6pm

Chorley's, Prinknash