Cornwall cultural attractions granted 'vital' funding for repairs

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has received £715,000 from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport

Two leading Cornish cultural attractions have received grants for repairs and maintenance projects.

A total of £499,000 has gone to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth, largely for replacing its main roof.

The Leach Pottery in St Ives has been granted £715,000 to address "urgent repairs to the roof and windows" and improve facilities at the site.

The funds were described as "vital" by the government.

'Treasured institutions'

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall said the funds would be used for repair works to the roof to ensure the building stays watertight, and to improve environmental conditions.

It also said it would address corrosion to the structure caused by its proximity to the sea wall.

Richard Doughty, museum director at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall Trust, said when they were notified of the grant, it was a "Hallelujah" moment.

He said: "Our museum explores the role small boats have played in maritime cultures and communities around the British coast. No other museum tells this story.

"However, we regularly have more buckets out in our main gallery, than boats. Replacing our main roof has been a top priority for us, for several years."

'Lifeline for organisations'

He added the costs had remained "stubbornly beyond" their reach and described the award as a "lifeline for organisations struggling to finance essential infrastructure works".

"We are deeply grateful to have been given the help we need to address this fundamental issue."

The Leach Pottery said it would also work on accessible lift improvements and has proposed works to improve the site's environmental sustainability.

Gary Topp, Chair of the Bernard Leach Trust, said he was "delighted to receive the funding" and it would "help carry out vital work to protect the Leach Pottery's Grade II historic buildings for future generations to enjoy".

"The Leach Pottery has stood on the same site for more than 100 years and is a vital part of the history of St Ives, Cornwall and the international pottery community," said Mr Topp.

'Vital funding'

He said the funding would allow it to develop its learning programme, and provide the working pottery with world-class facilities.

He added: "The whole project will mean better on-site services including an archive and library, expanded shop and new cafe."

Arts and Heritage Minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay said: "This vital funding for libraries and museums across the South West will see treasured institutions like the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Leach Pottery continue to impress visitors from near and far".

The funding has come through the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's Cultural Investment Fund.