During the lockdown the staff at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens have been working on new interpretation for the house with help from AIM’s Biffa Award: History Maker’s grant. The money has been used to design a new set of displays that will be ready in time to celebrate Gilbert White’s 301st birthday in July. The museum is working with Workhaus and LIMA studios for the project.

Each room of Gilbert White’s house will celebrate an aspect of Gilbert White’s life and times.

A early look into what the Great Parlour could look like

In the Little Parlour panels will introduce Gilbert and the village he immortalised as visitors get a feel of what living in Selborne during the 18th Century was like. In the Great Parlour a room White built for entertaining you will meet Gilbert White’s friends and family. Learn more about how Gilbert’s family influenced and supported his success and witness on of Gilbert’s famous parties! We have also commissioned a brand new display case meaning that personal items belonging to Gilbert and his family can go on display for the first time ever!

Bell’s Library will be dedicated to two very important topics The Natural History of Selborne, it’s creation and reception, (with a brand new case for the manuscript and interactive screen so you’ll be able to flick through it’s pages) and Timothy the Tortoise, Gilbert White’s beloved pet. The room will feel more like an Victorian Library that it with a new panel all about Thomas Bell and why the room is named after him… a question frequently asked by visitors!

The Old Kitchen will have more of the focus on how Gilbert White used the garden in his household, the study will focus on Gilbert’s natural history and the Gilbert White room will take you on the journey of Gilbert White’s legacy, showing how a book all about the nature of one small village inspired organisations such as the RSPB and how ultimately Gilbert White’s legacy is up to me and you.

We can’t wait until we can share more pictures and plans!