Oxfordshire museum reveals major refurb amid funding threat

Olly Glover, MP for Didcot and Wantage, visited the Vale and Downland Museum on Church Street last week and heard about new proposals to redevelop the Barn Gallery.

This comes as the manager of the Wantage museum, Lisa Gale, said that without “an increase in consistent income” they will continue to face challenges meeting costs.

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The project to renovate the gallery recently received a financial boost with funding secured from several sources, after the removal of a Formula 1 car from the area by Williams Racing two and a half years ago.

Those funding the works include Arts Council England, Vale of the White Horse District Council, FCC Communities Foundation, Persimmon Homes, and the Friends of the Vale and Downland Museum.

Ms Gale said: “We are thrilled to receive funding for projects across the museum, and it makes a real difference.”

A preview of the landscape artwork of the Vale and Downlands (Image: Vale & Downland Museum)

The renovation is set to be phased with the first installation, scheduled for June, featuring a large-scale artwork by landscape artist Anna Dillon, depicting the distinctive scenery of the Vale and Downlands.

A second phase will focus on the physical refurbishment of the space, introducing interactive displays, hands-on activities, and previously unseen objects from the museum’s collection.

While the green light for this project was welcomed, the museum continued to stress that they were facing funding challenges, including to Mr Glover.

The local MP – who recently raised the issue in Parliament – said: “I had a good discussion with the team about the challenges they face in terms of fundraising and rising costs, following my recent oral question to culture ministers.

Olly Glover MP (Didcot and Wantage, Liberal Democrat) (Image: Supplied)

“I will continue to do all I can to support them.”

Ms Gale said: “Without an increase in consistent income—particularly as we do not benefit from the level of admissions income that many independent museums receive—we continue to face challenges in meeting our operational costs.

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“We encourage local businesses to consider partnering with the museum.

“There are also opportunities for individuals to get involved, including joining our 100 Club or becoming a museum patron. Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more.”

Funding for cultural attractions such as museums is a topical issue in Oxfordshire after the River and Rowing Museum closed to the public last September.

Ms Gale has previously reported on signs of wear and tear at the Wantage destination.

Speaking in March, she said: “We have had leaks in certain places. Day to day dealing with an old building is a challenge.”