The Minories - Folded Histories
74 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE
Join experts from the British Origami Society for a talk exploring the history of origami in Britain and around the world. Explore how origami has shaped both art and innovation — with surprising applications from architecture to medicine. Featuring rarely seen gems from the Society’s archive, housed at The Minories, this event reveals how origami connects geometry, creativity, and artistic expression. The talk also shares the story of Sadako Sasaki and the peace crane — a powerful symbol of hope born from the tragedy of Hiroshima. You’ll have the chance to fold your own crane and contribute to the growing display of peace
The building now known as the Minories was acquired in 1731 by Isaac Boggis with wealth from the cloth trade. The Tudor house was remodelled as an elegant Georgian residence for his son, Thomas Boggis, in 1776.
It started to be called 'The Minories' in the 1870s, when it became fashionable to give buildings names. In 1915, Geoffrey Bensusan-Butt and his wife, Ruth, took the lease, and in 1923, they purchased the property from the Boggis-Rolfe family. Ruth was sister-in-law to Lucien Pissarro, son of Camille, and the Pissarro family visited regularly. She was a GP, a founder member of the Socialist Medical Association and for 35 years a Borough Councillor and Alderman. After her retirement, she sold the Minories to the Victor Batte-Lay Trust (now Foundation) in 1956. Since then, the building has been run as an art gallery.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1200
Location & directions
74 High Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1UE
- Directions:
- The 'What Three Words' location is ///beyond.clock.leaf
- Contact on day:
- Reception
- Telephone number:
- +441206712437
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Please book your place through The Minories website.
- Booking website:
- http://www.theminories.org/event/folded-histories
Accessibility details
First floor only accessible by a staircase.
Additional information
Other buildings open nearby for Heritage Open Days on the same date are Greyfriars Luxury Hotel, Grey's Summer House (Castle Park), St Helen's Chapel, St Martin's Church, Roman Theatre and 7 Queen Street (The Brewhouse).
