Coffee Time Talks

Join us one Thursday a month for a programme of fascinating informal talks.

We would like to invite you to a programme of informal talks about Guildford's history, objects in the museum collection, or the subjects in our temporary exhibitions.

Times

Arrive: 10.30am for tea/coffee.
Talks start at 11am and last for about 45 to 50 minutes.

To book your free place, please phone 01483 444751 or email heritageservices@guildford.gov.uk

Venue change

Please note that the Coffee Time Talks will take place at Guildford House Gallery instead of Guildford Museum until January 2020.

Please note that the talks taking place at Guildford House Gallery will be on the first floor with stairs access only.

7 November - The V1 bomb that fell on Abinger Common, Guildford House Gallery

Seventy-five years ago, the village of Abinger Common was devastated when a V1 flying bomb fell on the local church.

Find out more about the story and this horrific World War II weapon with museum volunteer Malcolm Watson.

Address: Guildford House Gallery, Guildford High Street, GU1 3AJ.

5 December - Discover more about the Sunday Times Watercolour exhibition, Guildford House Gallery

Guildford House will once again be hosting The Sunday Times Watercolour Competition Exhibition.

Find out more about this prestigious competition and some of the paintings on show, which range from landscapes, cityscapes to still life.

Pictured: Constellation (Still Life) by Jonathan Christie.

Address: Guildford House Gallery, Guildford High Street, GU1 3AJ.

9 January - Social housing in Guildford from Abbot's Hospital to Bellfields, Guildford Museum

We have a long history of social housing in Guildford from the 17th century Abbot's Hospital and 18th century Stoke Hospital, to estates such as Bellfields.

Join local historian Carol Brown to hear more.

Address: Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3SX.

6 February - Temperance movement in Guildford, Guildford Museum

Val Bale, one of Guildford's town guides, will be looking at the Temperance Movement in Guildford in this Coffee Time Talk.

In her Coffee Time Talk, Val reveals how a little white jug led her to become interested in the history of Guildford's Temperance Movement and its campaigns against the "evils of drink".

This talk is organised in conjunction with the Eating In exhibition, which is taking place at Guildford Museum from 8 February to 25 April.

Address: Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3SX.

5 March - Alexis Soyer Victorian chef, Guildford Museum

Alexis Soyer was one of the most famous chefs in Victorian Britain.

Margaret Jackson will tell us about Alexis' time at the Reform Club, his inventions, cookery books and impact on the army.

This Coffee Time Talk is organised in conjunction with the Eating In exhibition, which is taking place at Guildford Museum from 8 February to 25 April.

Address: Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3SX.

2 April - Spice War, Guildford Museum

If you use exotic spices in your cooking, have you ever wondered about their history and how they made their way to our shores?

Join Michael A'Bear, founder member of the local Acorns History Group, as he explores the ''Spice Wars'' of the Tudor and Stuart periods.

This Coffee Time Talk is organised in conjunction with the Eating In exhibition, which is taking place at Guildford Museum from 8 February to 25 April.

Address: Guildford Museum, Castle Arch, Quarry Street, Guildford GU1 3SX.