New exhibition launches this weekend to mark 30th anniversary of Chichester’s Livestock Market closure
There is also a community engagement project.
A new exhibition is launching in Chichester this weekend to commemorate the city's history as a market town.
‘The Livestock Markets of Chichester’ is opening at The Novium Museum this Saturday (24 October), exactly 30 years since the city's livestock market closed.
Chichester has been a centre for trade since the Roman period, with livestock sales held in the streets of Chichester from medieval times onwards.
In 1872 Chichester Cattle Market opened near Eastgate Square and livestock sales were transferred there.
According to Chichester District Council, market day sales soon grew and by 1900 Chichester Market was described as ‘the largest in the South of England’.
It was not until the 1980s that the future of Chichester Cattle Market is said to have become uncertain, after a decline in its trade and debate about the future of the market site.
The last livestock market in Chichester was held on 24 October, 1990.
Drawing on the museum’s social history collection, the exhibition and accompanying community engagement project aims to connect Chichester’s history as a market town with the farming landscape of the South Downs.
The historical exhibition at The Novium Museum will "act as the catalyst" to explore contemporary issues highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the council, including resilient food supply chains, sustainable farming and the transient harvesting workforce.
The exhibition and programme of activities has been made possible by grant funding of £9,904 from the South Downs National Park Authority COVID-19 Recovery Fund, and a £2,843 South East Museums Development and Art Fund Project Recovery Grant.
Councillor Roy Briscoe, cabinet member for culture and community services at the district council, said:
"So many will have fond memories of the Chichester Cattle Market before its closure in 1990, and it is wonderful to be able to remind people of the importance of the livestock industry in the local area through this exhibition at The Novium Museum.
"We are living through unprecedented and uncertain times.
"Thanks to the South Downs National Park Authority and South East Museums Development Programme, we are able to tell this important local story at a time when reconnecting people and place is more poignant than ever.
"It has been wonderful to welcome so many visitors back to The Novium Museum since we reopened in July, and the level of public support has really demonstrated the value people place on local heritage and culture."
The grant funding will also allow the museum to develop a community engagement project that will connect local farming communities with a small group of young people (aged 16 to 24), to increase knowledge and understanding of food and land management in the South Downs.
In turn, the collaboration is expected to reach far larger audiences through a community-curated exhibition and film on display alongside the new exhibition, as well as a pop-up display at other venues.
These outputs will also be available on the museum’s website.
The project will also include a series of webinars, virtual outreach sessions for care homes, a city-wide family trail and children’s activity backpacks to be used within the museum.
They will also fund the development of a virtual element, including a film.
Admission to the exhibition and to The Novium Museum is free, with donations accepted.
Booking in advance is essential.
More information about visiting The Novium Museum, including the social distancing and safety measures in place, and bookings can be made online or by calling 01243 775888.