A History of Cheltenham in 100 Objects

Famous for its spa heritage, Regency architecture, schools and colleges and annual Festivals, Cheltenham was also once home to many notable inhabitants, including Gustav Holst, composer of "The Planets," Edward Jenner, the pioneer of the smallpox vaccine and Edward Wilson, the Antarctic explorer. Compiled by the former Museum and Collections Manager at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum, and based on the Museum's rich collections, this new book features 100 objects that each help to tell the fascinating story of Cheltenham and demonstrate the importance of objects in understanding our past. This book will appeal to everyone interested in finding out more about the people, places and past life of Cheltenham through the objects and printed ephemera of times gone by.

Dr. Steven Blake worked at Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum between 1975 and 2006, eventually filling the post of Museum and Collections Manager. He is a founder member and former Chairman of the Cheltenham Local History Society, and is currently Chairman of the Gloucestershire Local History Association and a Trustee of the Holst Birthplace Museum.