Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery – the big move begins

Shoppers in the centre of Shrewsbury may get a glimpse of some unusual objects over the next few weeks as the town’s new Museum and Art Gallery gets ready for opening this winter.

The move of the museum’s collections from Rowley’s House to their new location in the new Museum and Art Gallery will see some of the largest objects on the move, including the Roman Hadrian inscription from Wroxeter Roman City, log boats and a giant Irish elk skull.

From Monday 9 September, the first and second floors of Rowley’s House will be closed to visitors, with the ground floor gallery and Visitor Information Centre remaining open.

On Wednesday 18 September 2013 it will be moving day for these large objects, which will require a change in the access to the Visitor Information Centre for just one day while the move is carried out.  These changes will be signed for visitors.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for visitor economy, said:

“The next few weeks will see museum staff unpacking the collections, dressing cases and hanging pictures in preparation for the opening of the new Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery later this winter.  This is an exciting time for Shropshire Museums, as many years of hard work come to fruition. We look forward to opening the doors of the new museum to the public, and sharing this fantastic new facility for Shrewsbury and Shropshire with local residents and visitors.”

Crown Fine Art – which supports museums, art galleries and private collectors around the world with similar moves – has been selected to help museum staff with this logistical task.

Michael Letendrie, Museums & Exhibitions Manager at Crown, said:

“The in-depth knowledge required to safely pack and transport original works of art fascinates me. It is so important that we safeguard these fragile and irreplaceable works for our future generations.”

Members of staff have been packing up objects currently on display at the museum, and Michael’s team will be packing and moving objects to ensure that they will reach the new Museum and Art Gallery site in an undamaged state.

Andrew Bannerman, local Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said:-

“This adds to the anticipation of the opening of our new Museum and Art Gallery.   Residents have been busy as volunteers, helping to prepare for the removal of the exhibits and training to be assistants when the museum opens.”

Richard Davies, Museum Manager, said:

“It will be an exciting day for museum staff, which will mark the start of the final phase of the collections move.”

To find out more please visit our website www.shrewsburymuseum.org.uk, follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/shropsmuseums or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shrewsbury.museum.

For details of photo opportunities of the move of the largest objects call ThreeSixty Communications on 01743 252826.