Holst Victorian House

Situated not far from University of Gloucestershire’s FCH Campus, Holst Victorian House offers opportunities for student volunteering and internships. Famous composer Gustav Holst was born in Cheltenham and his former home now reflects what life was like for the composer during the town’s late Victorian period.

Students have the opportunity to visit the museum, meet the curator, and to learn about what it is like to run and work in a museum. They are given a preview of the museum’s displays and archive collections, which offer fascinating insights into life in the late Victorian era as well as the life of Holst.

Students can volunteer to help with the day-to-day running of the museum. As interns, they are provided with the opportunity to work with the museum’s curator on developing exhibition materials and running public events of interest to the local community.

HM5400 student, Alessandro, says: “Through the study of the musician’s life, it was possible for me to analyse the context in which he lived.”

History students benefit also from similar connections to museums in Gloucester (collaborative research projects; talks by guest speakers; placement opportunities): Museum of Gloucester; Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum; Folk of Gloucester Museum.