22 Jul 2021

Closure of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery

The Council for British Archaeology has written a letter of concern in regards to the closure of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

We have been made aware of the current proposals to close Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, dispose of the listed building that houses it and put all the collections including the archaeology collection into storage until a new venue is available as part of a proposed cultural quarter. As we understand it there is no detailed plan in place for the new facilities or agreed budget and timescale for delivery of the cultural quarter.

As well as the archaeology collection the museum is also a place of deposit for archaeological archives and material that arises out of developments within the Borough, which brings in considerable material and local knowledge. Furthermore, the museum also works with the Portable Antiquities Scheme, sharing Finds Liaison Officers with other museums in Wiltshire and has accepted valuable material that has come via this scheme. Material which has been recovered by local people and relating directly to the local heritage of people.

The role and importance of museums to the local community in terms of economic activity, tourism, local pride and identity cannot be underestimated. It is with great concern that the Council for British Archaeology has heard of your proposal. We write seeking clarification on the current situation and assurance that the important archaeological collections held by the Borough at the museum, its role as an archaeological depository, and the support of the Portable Antiquities Scheme are all retained and that these collections and material remain publicly accessible.

The Museum is highly regarded in the local community for its contribution to the identity and pride of Swindon. Museums and archaeological archives make a substantial contribution to the local economy and towards the health and wellbeing of the people of Swindon. We are writing to express our concerns about these proposals on behalf of the wider archaeology community in the UK and to seek assurances that any decision will be based on a sound business plan and the needs of the local community who value this community asset. There is clear reputational risk to the Borough at stake.

The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) is a charity committed to making archaeology accessible to anyone interested in exploring the stories of people and place. As the voice of archaeology in the UK we bring together community groups, commercial units, academics, and heritage organisations to create and share opportunities to participate, discover and be inspired by archaeology.

We fully appreciate the difficult financial environment in which you operate as a Council and the difficult decision we are all faced with as a consequence of the COVID pandemic. However, we would urge you to consider the wider implications of the loss of the Museum and Art Gallery and look to retain this as a viable option moving forward. Indeed we would highlight the work being done in Northamptonshire at Chester House Estate (www.chesterhouseestate.org), which is being developed by the local authorities, not only into a major visitor attraction but integrating a function and role as the area’s archaeological archive and depository. All of which will be publicly accessible as part of the wider attraction.

We would welcome your assurance that any decision will be robustly tested against an open business plan and a clear understanding of the wider impacts of this highly regarded local museum.

Yours Sincerely,

Neil Redfern BA (Hons) MPhil ACIfA FSA, Executive Director CBA

To read the original letter, click our link below.

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