Museum to receive funding for upgrades and repairs

The museum is set to receive £387,500 to protect the building and its collections through the Government’s £18.8 million Museums Estate and Development Fund (MEND) which is being given to museums to undertake vital infrastructure and maintenance work.

MEND which is administered by Arts Council England is part of the Government’s £48 million Cultural Investment Fund. 

Work will include repairs and improvements to the roof and drainage as well as the installation of LED lighting to reduce the building’s energy usage and reinforce the city’s commitment to its environmental responsibilities.

The heating system will also be upgraded as well as equipment allowing staff to control the humidity to protect the museum’s extension collection, which includes paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, John Atkinson Grimshaw and Thomas Dibdin.

Other improvements will see upgrades to the passenger lift to help visitors who use wheelchairs visitors or families with prams.

The Victorian building which sits in the heart of the city centre, was originally the Price Memorial Hall of the Gloucester Science and Art Society, before becoming the City Museum and Art Gallery when it was taken on by the local authority in 1902.

It was built in 1893 for Margaret Price as a memorial to her husband William Edwin Price and saw a first floor added in 1958.

Councillor Andy Lewis, cabinet member for culture and Leisure at Gloucester City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be awarded this funding which will help to ensure that this beautiful building is well maintained and that we’re able to pass on the important legacy of our fantastic collections to future generations.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive Officer, Arts Council England, said: “Our artists, arts organisations, museums and libraries are experts in making villages, towns and cities better places to live, work, visit or play. This investment means they’ll be able to help more people across England to lead happier, more creative lives.”