The Fashion Museum Bath has received a mysterious and generous grant that will pave the way for an exciting new project. The museum, which has been closed for a major renovation since 2022, is set to unveil a groundbreaking online catalogue thanks to the support of a £20,000 grant from Arts Council England.
The grant comes at a crucial time for the museum, as it undergoes a transformation in preparation for its reopening in 2030. With the help of the grant, the Fashion Museum Bath will collaborate with the local library service to create a comprehensive and searchable catalogue that will revolutionize how visitors experience the museum’s extensive collection.
Sophie McKinlay, the project director at Fashion Museum Bath, expressed her enthusiasm for the grant, noting that it will allow the museum to reimagine the presentation of its collection for future generations. The museum’s collection, spanning over four centuries from the 1600s to the present day, is currently housed at Dents heritage glovemakers in Warminster. Limited public access to the collection has made the need for an online catalogue even more pressing.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project is the involvement of young people in the creation of the catalogue. Working alongside Bath and North East Somerset Libraries, young participants will have the opportunity to contribute to the digitization of the museum’s archives, starting with the renowned Dress Of The Year exhibition.
Ms. McKinlay shared her excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey towards creating the museum’s first searchable online catalogue, beginning with the Dress of the Year collection. By making our collection accessible online, we aim to set a new standard in cultural preservation and accessibility, ensuring that Fashion Museum Bath is open to all.”
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic & Cultural Sustainable Development, expressed the council’s delight in securing the grant, emphasizing its role in supporting creative jobs within the city. Emmie Kell, director of museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England, hailed the project as a significant step towards enhancing public access to one of the country’s most important fashion collections.
“This initiative will ensure ongoing public access to the unique Designated collections of the Fashion Museum, marking an exciting new chapter in its evolution. The involvement of young people in the project is particularly commendable and is sure to shape the museum’s future in a meaningful way,” commented Kell.
The grant has sparked a wave of anticipation and enthusiasm within the fashion and cultural communities, as the Fashion Museum Bath prepares to unveil its innovative online catalogue. The project promises to not only preserve the museum’s rich history but also make it more accessible and engaging for a diverse audience.
Stay tuned for updates on this transformative project and join us in celebrating the intersection of art, history, and technology at Fashion Museum Bath.
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