Archive exhibition and Aston campus tour to celebrate Birmingham’s industrial heritage

Visitors are invited to explore the city's innovation legacy through unique archival materials, artefacts and architectural treasures, as well as a guided campus tour, at a special event hosted by Aston University during Birmingham Heritage Week.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of Aston University receiving its Royal Charter and the exhibition will explore how the university contributed to Birmingham's rich industrial and educational heritage, as well as the legacy of the Lunar Society and the city's enduring spirit of innovation.

The event is called ‘Heritage for the Future: From the Lunar Society to Aston University’ and is set to take place on Thursday 17 September between 3pm and 5pm.

It will showcase a selection of rare archival materials and historic artefacts from the Aston University Archives' collections, alongside a guided exploration of significant features within Aston University's iconic Main Building.

Visitors will be able to discover how the pioneering ideas that helped shape the Industrial Revolution continue to influence education, research and innovation in Birmingham today.

The exhibition will feature a range of historical items from the Aston University Archives, including registers, prospectuses, ledgers, books, photographs and artefacts.

Among the objects being considered for display are items connected to renowned inventor James Watt, a member of the influential 18th-century Lunar Society, whose ideas and inventions helped transform Britain and the wider world.

The event will explore the lasting influence of the Lunar Society, a group of leading thinkers, inventors and industrialists who met regularly in Birmingham during the 18th century to discuss science, technology and social progress.

Visitors will also be invited to reflect on how Aston University continues to embody many of the values championed by the Lunar Society.

education, research and business engagement.

The exhibition will highlight how Aston's pioneering work in areas such as optometry, cancer research, health, education and technological innovation reflects the curiosity, ambition and spirit of discovery that defined the Lunar Society.

Alongside the exhibition, visitors will be able to join a guided tour of Aston University's Main Building.

Highlights are expected to include the recently installed bronze doors created by renowned sculptors H.H. Martyn & Co., which depict key trades and professions including chemistry and draughtsmanship.

The tour will also feature aluminium panels donated by the Aluminium Federation in 1964, showcasing the University's long-standing connection to industry and engineering.

Tickets for the exhibition and tour are free of charge but must be booked in advance via the Birmingham Heritage Week website or the associated Eventbrite booking page.

Dr Ilaria Scaglia, senior lecturer in modern history and head of the Aston University Archives, said: “This collaboration with the Lunar Society represents a unique opportunity for members of the public to enjoy them, and for all to celebrate the extraordinary history of this institution, city, and region.”

David Searle, honorary secretary of the Lunar Society, said: “What makes this event particularly exciting is the opportunity to see that spirit of collaboration and innovation reflected in Aston University today.

“By bringing the Lunar Society’s history into conversation with Aston’s own heritage of education, research and engagement with industry, we can see that Birmingham’s tradition of innovation is not simply a part of our past – it is something we can continue to build on for the future.”

Pictured: New wing under construction at Aston University in 1961