New gallery at Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon to begin construction with funding boost

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is set to commence work on a new silver gallery, following a £103,000 grant from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Wolfson Foundation.

The funding is part of the joint DCMS/Wolfson Museums and Galleries Improvement Fund, a £4 million initiative dedicated to assisting local and regional museums in enhancing displays, improving collections care, and increasing exhibition accessibility.

North Devon Council, which oversees the museum's operations, will utilise the funds to develop a gallery that showcases exquisite 16th and 17th century spoons crafted by renowned local silversmiths Thomas Mathew and Peter Quick, alongside chalices from regional churches.

Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, expressed enthusiasm regarding the funding boost: “We are delighted to receive this funding boost from the DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation, which will allow us to open the new silver gallery.

“During the 16th and 17th centuries, Barnstaple was a very prosperous town as its merchants became wealthy trading with Europe and the new world. Among the ways they spent their money was on beautiful silver spoons, which would be purchased to show the wealth of the family and as an investment. A community of silversmiths grew up in the town, and we are delighted to be able to showcase their work alongside some of the most beautiful silver we have in our collection.”

For over 20 years, DCMS and the Wolfson Foundation have collaborated to fund grants that support museums in bolstering displays, enhancing collections care, and making exhibitions more accessible for visitors.

Historically, more than 440 projects have been supported through over £50 million in funding.

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