| Topic: | Re:Re:Proposed closure of Wandsworth Museum | |
| Posted by: | Peter Tuppen | |
| Date/Time: | 28/01/07 15:12:00 |
| A comment from Michael Bull, a lifelong resident. Wandsworth council`s proposal to close Wandsworth Museum is a devastating shock considering its high reputation and success over the past years. It has grown from strength to strength and is now an integral part of the borough`s heritage and culture, giving both pleasure and education to all age groups and communities and giving them an awareness of the history of their part of the borough, being themselves part of its developing history, which will be passed onto future generations. To lose this Centre of Excellence in the Borough without any creative discussions and committed debate between Councillors, Teachers/Parents, School Governors, Local Groups and Societies, the Council`s Education and Leisure Departments, Museum Staff, National Museums and related agencies in a positive endeavour to keep the Museum and resolve the situation without the irrevocable action by the Councillors to destroy what is already in place. The Borough has invested a considerable amount of money to preserve the Borough`s history and heritage for its residents, so why throw it away? I urge all ward Councillors, especially those on the Environment and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee, to make an in depth visit to the Museum before the 6th. Feb. to see for themselves the Permanent Galleries ( on 2 floors ), the Temporary and Community Galleries, the Education Dept. and Outreach, the extensive stores and reserve collection, all the conservation work that has been undertaken during the past 20 years, the donations and gifts from residents entrusted to the Borough, in order for them to make their own valid and informed judgement when asked to vote on the future of the Museum with a clear conscience, having also taken on board constructive ideas, requests and suggestions they have received from all groups and residents for keeping the Museum. Also for the sake of the whole Borough, its cultural heritage, of which the Councillors and Officers are custodians for the present and future generations. I urge them to put a hold on the idea of closure and enter into open and creative discussion with all those listed above, with the will and commitment to explore all avenues available to make it possible for the Museum to be funded and safe guarded now and in the future. |