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• 12 August 2025 /
• Exhibition: Common Threads

For years it was believed that Packwood House’s Two Women tapestry fragment and the Achilles tapestry fragment displayed at Selly Manor were part of the same larger tapestry - but is this true? 

Assembled at the beginning of the 20th century by Laurence Cadbury, Selly Manor's collection brings the museum to life. It includes some elaborate, intriguing and beautiful examples of furniture and domestic objects. 

This exhibition will explore the connections of both museums and the motivations of collectors Laurence Cadbury and Graham Baron Ash. Why are there so many similar features and artefacts in Selly Manor and Packwood House? Were these two collectors inspired by one another?

The Great Hall at Packwood House

Minworth Greaves - Medieval Hall at Selly Manor Museum 

From the biblical, mythological subjects and greenery motifs, it is likely that both tapestry fragments were made in Oudenaarde in the southern Netherlands. Now part of modern Belgium, it was an important tapestry manufacturing centre. 

The Packwood House Team visiting Selly Manor with their tapestry fragment, Two Women

This is an opportunity to see the two tapestries displayed side by side, for the first time in living memory, and explore other objects from the collection and their parallels to those at Packwood House.  

Exhibition dates:

Tuesday 12th August - Friday 17th August 2025

Opening times: 

Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm (August)

Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 5pm (September and October)

Cost and Booking
Exhibition included in entry to the museum. Normal admission applies: Adults £6, Concessions £5, Children £4.

Accessibility
The exhibition takes place in Selly Manor, which has steep stairs and uneven floors. You will find detailed information about accessibility on the Your visit section of our website. If you would like to know more or discuss accessibility, then please call the Selly Manor Museum team on 0121 472 0199.