After more than 12 months of being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Armitt reopens to the public again on Thursday 27 May with two new exhibitions and a new Manager & Curator in post.
The coronavirus pandemic has been devastating for lots of businesses, but particularly for the culture and heritage sector. Like the rest of the nation, The Armitt closed to visitors in March 2020 but had not been able to reopen again until now. Through the hard work and endeavours of the trustees, two new exhibitions have been created to bring new life to the museum.
Tim Cowen, Chair of the Trustees said, “We are delighted to be reopening The Armitt with a new exhibition titled ‘Visions of Land’ that includes artwork by Edward Lear and John Ruskin. This display is shown beside another new exhibition about Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley an early writer, thinker and environmental campaigner, known as ‘Defender of the Lakes’. We also continue to show Beatrix Potter’s influence with a gallery devoted to her. All of these represent different perspectives from different people with different visions of the landscape that shaped the Lake District we see today. Visitors wondering about “what to do in the Lake District”, and looking for visitor attractions, should try The Armitt as we are providing an insight into the works of people who have passed this way before.”
Not only have these new exhibitions been created, but there has also been a new appointment of a Manager & Curator to help see The Armitt through into developing a bright future.
Faye Morrissey, previously Head of Visitor Services & Operations at Delapré Abbey in Northampton, has been brought in to share her knowledge and experience of the heritage sector in order to establish a new direction and vision for the museum.
“I’m really looking forward to exploring the opportunities and projects that The Armitt can work on going forward”, said Faye Morrissey, Manager & Curator. “There is great potential to enhance the venue through its fascinating and quirky collections, its indoor and outdoor space, and its partnerships within and beyond Ambleside. Exciting things are being planned, so watch this space!”
The Armitt reopens to the public on Thursday 27 May 2021 after more than 12 months of being closed.