Trowbridge Museum is reopening from 22 May, following a period of redevelopment that has seen it double in size and expand into the empty floor of Grade II listed ‘Home Mills’, above the original museum.
The museum has been closed since July 2018, making way for the ‘Onwards and Upwards’ project, the fantastic renovation and expansion of Trowbridge Museum supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Trowbridge Town Council, The Friends of Trowbridge museum and others.
The new museum will tell the story of Trowbridge and reveal the heritage of its residents through new displays featuring never before seen objects and interactive activities for all ages. In 2019 the redevelopment journey started with designers Smith and Jones, and architects, Architecton to bring Salter’s Home Mills back to life. The museum team have since watched on as Beard Construction made their plans a reality. They have uncovered original gnarled brickwork that has survived mill fires, and sympathetically restored the mill windows, which have flooded the space with light and made way for the innovative displays.
At the heart of the redevelopment is the newly-built Learning Hub, which will enable the Learning and Outreach team to continue their outreach work within the Trowbridge community. They will develop their work with schools, the Lifelong Learning programme, hold history and craft workshops, as well as history talks. With its improved facilities and larger space, the team will be able to increase their programme and reach even more of the community. The Hub will also serve as a meeting space, available for hire to the public.
The museum is also now the home of a brand new Research Library. The library will host over 1,700 books, relating to the social history of Trowbridge and the development of the woollen cloth industry in the area. A unique resource that alongside an online database on the museum website, will ensure that the town and wider region’s heritage is available to everyone.
From Saturday 22 May, visitors will be able to return and discover the new museum, as well as explore the brand new exhibition space and shop featuring Trowbridge Museum products, history and craft books, and a fantastic range of gifts.