The Piano on which much of 'The Planets was composed

Display Boards on the walls give an outline of Holst's life and work, and selections of his music can be heard in the background. The room - with William Morris-designed wallpaper- is a reminder of Holst's sympathy with Morris’s socialist ideals, and contains several of Holst's possessions, mostly given to the Museum by his daughter Imogen. Chief among these is his piano, on which he tried out parts of The Planets. Also on display Holst’s armchair, music stand, piano stool and a painted chest which he kept his music scores in. The display cabinet in the corner by the window contains smaller items belonging to Holst's family. A prominent feature is the portrait of Holst by Bernard Munns, which was presented to Holst in 1927. 

At the rear of this room there is a small temporary exhibition space. There are three exhibitions a year on various themes relating to Holst, using material from Museum archives. There are also two wall cabinets. The one on the right contains some of Holst's personal belongings including the picture of Mozart which Holst kept nearby when composing. There is an Arts & Crafts table in this room and you are welcome to sit here and consult our press cutting collection.

There are photographs and pictures on the stairs relating to Holst's life in chronological order.