Celebrating the Life of Alfred Herbert

Friday - Sunday | 4 - 6 September 2026 | 10.30am - 3pm (12pm - 3pm on Sunday) Show all dates and times

Join us as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alfred Herbert (6 September 1866).

Drop in | Included with admission

Join us as we celebrate the 160th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alfred Herbert (6 September 1866), one of Coventry's most influential industrialists, philanthropists and benefactors.

Across Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Transport Museum and Coventry Archives, discover the life and legacy of the man whose contributions helped shape Coventry's industry, culture and community.
 

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Friday 4 September:

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

• Guided tours exploring Alfred Herbert's legacy.

• Stories of Alfred Herbert's philanthropy, his support for Coventry and Coventry's industrial development and Alfred Herbert's role in supporting women returning to factory work during and after the Second World War.

• Displays featuring images, news articles, books and materials relating to Sir Alfred Herbert and Lady Herbert, including images of Lady Herbert's speech at the museum's opening.

Coventry Transport Museum

• Talks centered on the Dennis Fire Engine used at Alfred Herbert's factory and later during the Coventry Blitz.

Coventry Archives

• Archive material on display and film footage exploring Alfred Herbert's life and impact.

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Saturday 5 September & Sunday 6 September:

Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

• Displays featuring images, news articles, books and historical material relating to Sir Alfred Herbert and Lady Herbert, including images of Lady Herbert's speech at the museum's opening.
• Film footage exploring Alfred Herbert's life and impact
• Through photographs, news clippings, documents and film footage provided by Coventry Archives, visitors can explore the story of Sir Alfred Herbert's life and the lasting impact he had on Coventry.

Come and explore the lasting legacy of Sir Alfred Herbert through archives, objects, vehicles, films and stories that reveal his impact on Coventry and beyond.

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Opening Times

Friday 4 September: 10:30am to 3pm

Saturday 5 September: 10:30am to 3pm

Sunday 6 September: 12pm to 3pm

All activities are included in the museum admission price.