Published on Thursday 21 July 2022
Poole Museum has been awarded a £200,000 grant in the latest round of awards from the Wolfson Foundation. The funding supports ‘Shipwreck’, one of the Museum’s three new maritime galleries which will open to the public as part of a redeveloped offer in 2024.
Chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, Paul Ramsbottom said: "The Wolfson Foundation aims to support civil society by investing in research and education - surely ever more crucial during this challenging period."
"Our latest round of awards demonstrates the importance of capital funding for communities across the UK. The new buildings, refurbishments and equipment funded by the Foundation will support learning, enhance wellbeing and advance scientific research. While many and varied, the projects have one thing in common: they are places for people to connect, and they support imaginative and excellent work."
"I can't think of anything more exciting or intriguing than funding 'Shipwreck' - a gallery which will entice and interest visitors of all ages."
Poole Museum, working closely with Poole Museum Foundation, is undertaking a £7.7m redevelopment project, including urgent conservation to the stonework walls of the Grade I listed medieval Wool Hall. The original proportions of the building will be restored by raising the floor and revealing the impressive stone and intricate timber structure.
As the location for the new Shipwreck Gallery the Wool Hall will be transformed into a significant new addition to Poole Museum and a reason to visit in its own right. New interpretation and interactive displays will be developed with local communities. Shipwreck will tell the story of medieval Wool Hall building and the maritime archaeology story of Poole Harbour and surrounding waters that stretches from the iron age to today.
Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places at BCP Council said: "we really welcome the generous support of the Wolfson Foundation who share our ambitious vision for the future of Poole Museum. We are opening up opportunities for our community and visitors to get involved and discover local heritage. We are putting culture at the heart of rejuvenating Poole – a key priority for the Council."
Poole Museum at the Heart of the Quay Quarter
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone the redevelopment project will see Poole Museum transformed into an outstanding cultural centre and thriving community hub at the heart of a new vibrant ‘Quay Quarter’.
There will be three new permanent maritime galleries, a larger temporary exhibition gallery bringing major touring exhibitions to Poole, important historic buildings will be conserved and new spaces opened-up to the public for the first time. There will be a new schools programme as well as vibrant events for the local community and visitors. New visitor facilities and better access for all are integral to the plans.
Poole Museum will close at the end of October 2022 with building work taking place during 2023 and reopening planned for 2024. During closure the museum will take to the road, bringing Poole’s unique stories and heritage to the local community through an exciting programme of outreach and events, with the chance to get "behind the scenes".
A new temporary exhibition, Hardy's Wessex: The landscapes that inspired a writer, is currently showing at Poole Museum until Sunday 30 October 2022. Entry to Poole Museum is free, exhibition charges apply.