Soho House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Soho House |
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Soho House from the front
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| Location | Handsworth |
| OS grid reference | SP 05332 89078 |
| Area | Birmingham |
| Built | c. 1756 |
| Governing body | Birmingham Museums Trust |
| Owner | Birmingham City Council |
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Listed Building – Grade II*
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| Designated | 25 April 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1076151 |
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Soho House is a special museum in Handsworth, Birmingham. It was once the home of a very important person named Matthew Boulton. He lived there from 1766 until he passed away in 1809. The museum celebrates his life and his amazing work during the Industrial Revolution. It also highlights his friendship with James Watt and his role in the Lunar Society of Birmingham. This house is a historic building, meaning it's protected because of its importance.
Contents
The Story of Soho House
Matthew Boulton's Vision
Matthew Boulton was a clever businessman in the 1700s. In 1761, he took over a place called Soho Mill. He turned it into a big factory called Soho Manufactory. Right next to it, he made a small house much bigger, creating what we now know as Soho House. He changed the house many times to make it just right.
The outside of Soho House looks like it's made of large stone blocks. But it's actually covered with painted slate sheets! Boulton moved into Soho House once his factory was finished. Sadly, the Soho Manufactory was taken down in 1863.
A Meeting Place for Bright Minds
In 1766, Matthew Boulton helped start a group called the Lunar Society. This was a group of smart thinkers, scientists, and inventors who met regularly. They often met at Soho House, especially in the large dining room.
In 1789, Boulton asked an architect named Samuel Wyatt to make the house and gardens even better. Samuel's brother, James Wyatt, helped design the main entrance. The work on the house was finished in 1796.
From Home to Museum
After Matthew Boulton passed away, his son, Matthew Robinson Boulton, and then his grandson, Matthew Piers Watt Boulton, lived in the house. In 1850, the family sold Soho House. Over the years, it had different owners. At one point, it was even a place for police officers to live.
In 1990, Birmingham City Council bought Soho House. They worked hard to restore it to how it looked in the 1700s. In 1995, they opened it as a museum for everyone to enjoy.
What You Can See at Soho House
Soho House has been carefully restored to look just like it did in the 18th century. Inside, you can see beautiful collections of old furniture, paintings, and shiny metal objects called "ormolu" and silver. Many of these silver and ormolu items were actually made in Boulton's factory!
One special item is the ormolu Sidereal clock. Boulton and his business partner, Fothergill, made it between 1771 and 1772. Outside the house, you can find a Blue Plaque. This plaque is a special sign that remembers Matthew Boulton and his importance.
The garden at Soho House was once huge, over 100 acres! Now it's smaller, but it still has a lovely walk with sphinx statues from around 1795. Part of the garden has been replanted using Matthew Boulton's own notes, so it looks very similar to how it did when he lived there.
Visiting the Museum
Soho House is a special "Heritage Site" and part of the Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery. It is owned by Birmingham City Council. Since April 2012, the museum has been managed by the Birmingham Museums Trust.
The museum often has exhibitions that show local history and community projects. While there used to be no charge, since April 2011, there is a small fee to go inside the house. However, children under 16 can still enter for free! The gardens, grounds, and visitor facilities are free for everyone to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Casa Soho para niños
