Birmingham museum celebrates one of the city's founding fathers

Sep 1 2009 by Neil Elkes, Birmingham Mail

Brian Scoltock as Matthew Boulton outside Soho House with Jacqui Robertson-Wade as a period lady musician

VISITORS to the historic Soho House Museum took a step back in time to the days of Pride and Prejudice.

The Big Boulton Bash, which included Restoration style dancing and historic dressing up for children, was held to mark the 200th anniversary of Birmingham industrialist Matthew Boulton.

Soho House was Boulton’s home and has exhibitions dedicated to his life and times.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is hosting a special exhibition until September 27 called Matthew Boulton: Selling What the World Desires.

City culture chief Coun Martin Mullaney said: “Wonderful family events such as this and the exhibition have successfully brought the life of Matthew Boulton, his achievements and the period he lived in to life.

“It is great to see local people and visitors to the city finding out more about one of the founding fathers of Birmingham.”