The successful redevelopment of Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury has been recognised with two awards.
The Museum re-opened in June 2017 following extensive redevelopment led by the South West Heritage Trust. The project included the conservation and adaptation of the buildings, the creation of a new Community Learning Space and the redisplay of the galleries to tell the story of Somerset’s rich rural past.
The Museum has received the William Stanstell Historic Building Award from Somerset Building Preservation Trust. The award praised the ‘excellent use of materials and workmanship,’ and added that ‘the new spaces and the new buildings are beautifully designed and detailed to enhance the setting of the 14th century barn.’
Earlier in the year, the Museum received a regional award for Best Educational Building from the Local Authority Building Control (LABC). The Museum will go forward to the national LABC awards in November.
Chief Executive of the South West Heritage Trust, Tom Mayberry, said: “Architecturally the project sought to retain and repair the original buildings sympathetically.
“At the same time, we wanted to create a 21st-century family-friendly museum that meets the needs of today’s visitors.
“We’re delighted to receive these awards and are most grateful to everyone who has helped to make the new museum such an asset to the county.”
The redevelopment was chiefly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Somerset County Council, the Garfield Weston Foundation and other generous funders. The Trust is also most grateful to the Friends of the Somerset Rural Life Museum for their consistent support. Building work was undertaken by Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd and the architect was Robert Battersby of Architecton Ltd.
For more information about visiting the Museum go to www.srlm.org.uk