Weymouth Museum moving to shopfront amid Brewers Quay refurb
The Museum's been given £99,000 to make the move.
Weymouth Museum is moving to a shopfront location while refurbishments are taking place at Brewer's Quay.
The museum has been in limbo or years while different potential developers pull in and out of deals, making conservation of artefacts difficult.
It's been awarded a grant of £99,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the next stage of its development.
Based in Brewers Quay, Weymouth Museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the fascinating history of the town, and browse unique exhibits and artworks throughout the ages.
The funding will enable the Museum to develop its work with the community and encourage more people from Weymouth and beyond to visit. Weymouth Museum will also be able to expand the activities it offers to visitors, including conservation, workshops on local history and investigation of the Museum’s collection. The Heritage Fund grant will also allow important conservation work to take place on Weymouth Museum’s impressive collection.
Marcia Headon, Chair of the Museum Trust said: “We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for awarding Weymouth Museum this bid thanks to National Lottery players. The funding will enable us to preserve our wonderful collection and to extend the experience of the Museum to the local community, as well as visitors. The future of the museum now looks very bright.”
Cllr Laura Miller, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services, added:
“Dorset has a rich and vibrant history that attracts people from all over the country, and Dorset Council is proud to support the work of everyone at Weymouth Museum. I’m looking forward to seeing how they rise to the challenge of continuing to engage and present their collections to the public while their permanent home is developed over the next couple of years.”
Whilst development is taking place on the Brewers Quay building, Weymouth Museum will temporarily move some of its collection to a pop-up display in the town centre for visitors to see. The items on display will focus on telling the story Weymouth’s past and exploring the social history of the town, as well as its role as an enduring holiday destination and a coastal town.
The collection is being moved into secure store and whilst there, extensive conservation work will take place as well as preparation for the new museum.
The museum is currently seeking new volunteers and details can be found on the website. www.weymouthmuseum.org.uk