Revamped culture hub will unite us
THIS week, we are looking at The Whitaker - Rossendale Museum and Art Gallery.
As many will know, The Whitaker has been closed since April of 2020 for a major refurbishment of the main building, the old stable block, and an extension into the original courtyard.
The Whitaker now has a substantially extended bar and kitchen space, that with additional seating both inside and out, aims to offer a high end Bistro experience with an extended menu of locally sourced ingredients at affordable prices, building upon the already established reputation as a preferred destination for locals and visitors.
There are dedicated indoor spaces that will offer painting, sculpture, film, new media, sound based installation and performance art, some available for weddings and other celebratory events.
A new shop will be selling a carefully curated range of locally made gifts, prints and greetings cards.
The new and extended facilities provide a greater opportunity to develop existing and new activities and attractions that reflect the ethos of The Whitaker of connectivity between people and the environment, pride in our distinctive Rossendale valley and provide that catalyst for the many community groups to work together and provide an insight into how they can facilitate exploring the past, meeting the present and creating a future for Rossendale that the community and visitors will engage with and prosper.
The Whitaker will be officially re-opening on Saturday and welcomes all to come and view the newly refurbished buildings and experience exhibits new and old in their new environment.
These including the original Tiger and Python exhibit, and a new addition to the Whitaker, The Irwell Tapestry, which contains within it an intriguing history of the river Irwell and takes pride of place on the museum landing.
For further information on events and other activities, please go to their website at www.thewhitaker.org For Rossendale Community Support Network enquiries, email rosscsn43@gmail.com