CULTURAL gem The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery, in Rawtenstall is now putting Rossendale on the national and international map
Following the completion of a £2.2million extension and renovation of the former Rossendale Museum, the venue now attracts business bookings, major international artists to exhibit in various gallery spaces, is a venue for weddings, a hub for events, community group meetings and much more.
Transformation began in June 2019 when Rossendale Borough Council, working in partnership with The Whitaker, secured a £1.7million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant and added nearly £200k to convert the former barn and stables; further grants were added later.
Initial plans had been for works to be completed by August 2020, however no-one predicted Covid.
Construction to create the extension which forms the café and bar and event space in what was the former stables, started on site in June 2020.
As the country struggled to recover from the pandemic, the sight of The Whitaker being transformed was a seen as a beacon of positivity in times of uncertainty.
A merger was announced between The Whitaker and Rossendale Leisure Trust in June 2021 leading to the formation of a Community Interest Company.
A month later, the doors opened and the public walked in. The centre has gone from strength-to-strength.
(Grace & Bella on Prof Jigget’s Trail)
Just over 18 months later, The Whitaker had welcomed more than 45,000 visitors, 77 per cent from Rossendale, and 11,500 people had taken part in special events.
Other visitors have been from Canada, Australia, Gibraltar and France and all over the UK and Ireland.
Rossendale Council Leader Councillor Alyson Barnes said: “I am delighted that the council was able to attract the investment needed to make sure The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery has a secure future.
“It is a first-class free attraction, that not only preserves Rossendale’s heritage its gallery space gives a home to inspiring, new and challenging artists.”
In February 2022, The Whitaker was named The Cultural Venue of the Year at the Lancashire Tourism Awards, pipping Blackpool’s Winter Gardens to the title.
North of England Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund Helen Featherstone said: “It’s fantastic to see the positive impact that The Whitaker is having on Rossendale following its transformation.
“We were very proud to support its redevelopment, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, and it’s wonderful to hear the praise from visitors from across the globe that are discovering the captivating heritage The Whitaker has to offer.”
Inside the original building there are two galleries, a reflect and respond room and The Cabinet of Curiosities. Ever popular baby elephant Nellie and the tiger and python are still on show in the natural histories section and new upstairs gallery spaces reflect the Valley’s past and future.
More than 1,400 items have been added to, or updated on, the collections’ database and visitors and volunteers have generated around £1.5 million of economic impact for the local area.
VOLUNTEERS
IT IS thanks to an army of volunteers that The Whitaker has been such a huge success.
Nearly 90 people have come forward to offer their time for free from teenage work experience students to retired and semi-retired with the oldest being in their 80s.
Freelance writer and volunteer Stephen Taylor said: “This place has always been really important I think; I grew up in Rossendale and this was an interesting jewel in the cultural crown.”
Many volunteers have fond memories of visiting the museum in their youth. They help with everything from admin to gallery assistance, maintenance to front of house and enjoy being able to give something back.
CULTURE
AN EVENTS space created inside the former stables buildings has provided a base to expand the cultural offering at The Whitaker.
Regular film nights are arranged and, from March 23-25, the Pennine Film Festival 2023 will be held.
The Whitaker has a variety of spaces and rooms which are regularly used for business meetings, training sessions, corporate activities, product launches, weddings and parties.
While magical explorer Professor Jigget’s Storytelling Suitcases open up a fantastical world for the younger visitors to the museum and his Fantastical Field Notes trail encourages them to explore the park’s natural landscape.
THE FUTURE
THE Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery is now an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation for 2023 – 2026.
As a result, it will receive £159,933 annually to continue to showcase the best visual art locally, nationally and internationally, continue working with the local community and preserve The Whitaker’s collection for future generations.
Creative Director Gaynor Seville said: “It is a complete testament to the tenacity, dedication and talent of our small but mighty team who have gone above and beyond to make The Whitaker a destination for outstanding arts and culture in Lancashire, to our volunteers who we forever grateful to, and to our visitors, who have supported us from the moment we re-opened in 2021.”
Rossendale Council is looking forward to continuing to work alongside and supporting The Whitaker in the future.
Words: Catherine Smyth Media