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Soho House, Birmingham

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Matthew Boulton was an eighteenth century Birmingham "toy maker", which in the parlance of the time meant a manufacturer of small fancy goods in metal. He became one of Britain's leading industrialists. At his house in Birmingham's Soho district, Boulton would entertain the great minds of the early Industrial Revolution. Dinner guests included Erasmus Darwin, grandfather of Charles Darwin, Josiah Wedgewood, Joseph Priestly and James Watt, with whom in 1775 he went into partnership to produce the world's first steam engines. This group was known as the Lunar Society.

Matthew Boulton lived at Soho House for much of his life. It is now preserved as a memorial to the Lunar Society, which would meet in the dining room.

There is a regular programme of events and activities. This programme continues in winter, when Soho House is officially closed to visitors. Pre-booked groups and school parties are welcome all year round.

 

 

 

Address: Soho House, Soho Avenue, Handsworth, Birmingham B18 5LB

Opening Times: Soho House is open from 4th April to 2nd November, Tuesday to Sunday, 12 midday - 4pm.

Closed on Mondays, except for bank holidays. Admission is free.

Directions: Soho House is off Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham. Take the A41 out of Birmingham City Centre towards Handsworth. Soho Avenue is a left turn. Soho House is then on the left set back a little from the road. Click here for an interactive map centred on Soho House.

Access: there is ramped access to the house, and a lift to all floors.

Contact:

telephone: 0121 554 9122