A GENEROUS donation from the Elgar Family Trust has led to a vibrant new look for the entrance to The Firs, Elgar’s Birthplace at Lower Broadheath.
Visitors can now enjoy new striking facias at the entrance, which not only help to identify the Birthplace, but also provide a fascinating insight into what lies beyond.
With large-scale photographs of the beautiful cottage and delightful garden of Elgar’s Birthplace, together with quotations from Elgar himself, it’s an eye-catching feature for visitors and passers-by.
Ellen Cooper, site manager for The Firs, said: “For some time we have felt the museum was a little difficult to find, as it is tucked away behind hedges and the entrance is largely dominated by a now closed pub, so we thought we would make a feature of the entrance through these new facias and already they are having a good effect.
“Elgar never forgot the humble cottage where he was born. In later life, when he was a world-famous composer, he often visited the cottage and walked his two beloved dogs, Marco and Mina, on the nearby common.
“The new entrance boards feature quotes from Elgar about his love of the cottage, and one a large image of the fine statue of Elgar which is to be found in our beautiful garden.”
The Firs provides a fascinating celebration of Elgar, Britain’s greatest composer, with displays of memorabilia, including original manuscripts, photographs, letters and many other materials. It’s a wonderfully idyllic place to feel inspired by the romanticism of the cottage garden and Edward Elgar’s music.
The Elgar Museum was originally founded by Elgar’s daughter, Carice, in 1937.
It has been in the care of the National Trust since 2017. The Firs, Elgar’s birthplace cottage and cottage garden is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11am until 5pm, from March until October.
