The Chairman of Wychavon was transported back to the past on a visit to Broadway Museum and Art Gallery to mark the attraction’s tenth anniversary.
Cllr Robert Raphael discovered a 17th century version of a food bank, got up close with the museum’s cabinet of curiosities and took in the popular steam railway exhibition.
There was also the opportunity to learn more about the village’s history as well as the many famous artists and writers who spent time in Broadway, including Peter Pan author J M Barrie, portrait painter John Singer Sargent and painter Frank Millet, who died on the Titanic.
The museum building was formerly The Angel Inn, a 17th century coaching inn, before being home for more than 70 years to the business of international antique dealer H W Keil.
In 2013, with the support of Keil and The Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, the museum and art gallery opened to the public. Ten years on and there are big plans for the future including the development of an interactive experience allowing visitors to sample life in a busy coaching inn.
A new exhibition is also planned next year to showcase some of the work of the Broadway artists who were inspired by their time spent in the village.
The visit was part of Cllr Raphael’s anniversary tour of the district to mark Wychavon’s 50th birthday next April.
Cllr Raphael said: “Wychavon has such a rich history and it was fascinating to learn more about another part of our district’s story. The museum’s plans for the future are exciting and I encourage residents to go and visit and discover another one of Wychavon’s heritage gems.”
Visit Broadway Museum website to find out more.
