Fear for future of Austen museum
Iconic centre ‘at risk’ as it launches urgent £15k appeal
The iconic Jane Austen Centre and its annual festival in Bath is fighting to survive the financial repercussions of the coronavirus lockdown.
Visitors from across the globe have visited the Jane Austen Centre, on Gay Street, for the last two decades but according to the exhibition’s team, that future is “at risk”.
The centre has now launched a Crowdfunder page and is looking to raise £15,000. If that target is reached the proceeds will retain core staff, pay essential bills, and ensure it can safely reopen.
The annual Jane Austen Festival, which is associated with the centre and is held in Bath every September, is also under threat.
The 20th anniversary of the festival was supposed to take place this year but that was cancelled due to the pandemic, so it will also need support to survive.
Paul Crossey, Jane Austen Centre director, said: “We are a small, independent business that relies solely on the 150,000 or so visitors that come through our doors each year.
“Obviously, since lockdown, that number has dropped to nil.
“Even when we do open again, possible travel bans and enhanced restrictions within the tourist industry in general, will make the period following reopening tough.”
The money raised will also go towards retaining Martin Salter, the senior meeter and greeter known as the “most photographed man in England”, according to the centre.
Mr Crossey added: “So far, our fundraising campaign has raised almost a third of the total £15,000 required and every pound counts.
“If you are feeling more generous, however, there are rewards for those who donate higher amounts.
“These include 12 months unlimited free entry to the Centre when it does reopen, cream teas and champagne.
“If we do get through this, then every champagne cork popped will be celebrating our survival.”
The centre has been visited by the likes of Ricky Gervais, James Mcavoy, and Alan Titchmarsh, among others.
He added: “We’re aware Chawton recently held a successful fundraising campaign and we’re happy the house that Jane Austen lived in and where she completed her most famous novels has been saved.
“Bath, however, also played an important part in her life.
“She lived here for several years and two of her novels are set in the city - and even though our target is more modest than Chawton’s, it is just as essential we reach our target so that her connection to the city is maintained.
“That is why we are asking everyone, whether a Jane Austen fan or not, to contribute to making sure the centre continues.”
To donate to the Jane Austen Centre’s fundraising campaign, go to: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/janeausten-centre-fundraiser/ backers#start.