Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Cultural comeback for West museums
HOLIDAYS, hugs and having a half or two of cider inside a pub have dominated the focus of the big reopening on Monday as coronavirus restrictions relax.
But less has been said about the imminent return of much of the cultural life of our region.
And the curators, gallerists and directors behind the venues which make so many of our cities, towns and villages tick can’t wait to fling open their doors next week.
Many have used the latest lockdown as time to refresh their offer in advance of customers returning.
Amanda Hart, director of the Corinium Museum in Cirencester, said the museum, which carries the Roman name for Cirencester, has some exciting new formats for visitors to enjoy.
She said: “At long last, we can reopen. It’s been a tough time for many of us, and especially hardhitting for our museum. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, supporters and friends of the museum for all their support.
“We have something for all ages and whether you are local or visiting, the museum has lots of fascinating exhibits exploring the diverse and exciting history of the Cotswolds.
“I would also like to reassure visitors that our immersive and spacious museum is ready to extend a warm welcome and we cannot wait to see you.”
Photography takes centre billing on the exhibition programmes at several Somerset museums. The Museum of Somerset in Taunton reopens on Wednesday with works submitted to the Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Competition.
The museum will be the only South West venue to host this annual display of contemporary photography from across the globe.
This summer it will also stage an exhibition featuring the cartoons and art of the Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown.
Meanwhile, the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, which also reopens on Wednesday, will continue to showcase local artists and makers. The programme begins with the first solo exhibition by Glastonbury-based artist Joanna Briar. It will bring together ink drawings with linocut and woodcut prints in an exhibition inspired by the museum itself and by the countryside surrounding it.
During the summer the museum, working in partnership with the Royal Bath and West Society, will open its first ‘living exhibition’. There will be a vibrant programme of family events and activities that capture the spirit of the Bath and West Show (from July 10-September 4), as well as an opportunity to discover more about the society’s wide-ranging history.
Head of Museums for the South West Heritage Trust Sam Astill said: “After a very difficult year we’re now looking forward with optimism to the opportunities ahead.”
Indoor attractions are also poised to open in Bristol next week, with those operated by the city council having a staggered opening.
Bristol Archives will open its doors from Monday, May 17 followed by Bristol Museum & Art Gallery on Tuesday, May 18. M Shed will open on Friday, May 28.
Cllr Craig Cheney, deputy mayor of Bristol, said: “Although the doors have been closed, the team has been kept busy caring for the collections and making them available online during lockdown. After an extremely challenging year, I’m looking forward to seeing people enjoy Bristol’s great cultural venues again.”
Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will be opening with four compelling and thought-provoking exhibitions as part of the inaugural, city-wide Bristol Photo Festival. Work by a host of local, national, and international photographers will be showcased in response to the festival’s theme of A Sense of Place.