Page 30 - Phonebox Magazine April 2008

Grand Re-opening of the Museum
Annual Cowper and Newton Day
Saturday 26 April
The museum is now open for the 2008 season, following completion of an intensive programme of work over the winter break. Come and see the new displays!
Appeal
In 2006, with the help of the Lottery and all those local residents who responded so generously to its Appeal, the museum was able to acquire the last important collection of William Cowper memorabilia still in private hands. This success released further funding, enabling the Museum to undertake an ambitious programme of refurbishment and redisplay.
Lives of the poet and the preacher
The story of William Cowper and John Newton is now told through a series of colourful interpretation panels answering such questions as:
• Why are these men important?
• What were their achievements?
• What was their daily life in Olney like?
• What did other famous people think of them?
• What do they mean to us today?
All the objects – paintings, books, manuscripts, personal belongings – are newly displayed, with the latest in lighting and display cases to show them at their best, and there are audio points with readings from their work. Whole rooms are devoted in turn to their family and friends, their domestic life, their writings and, in John Newton’s case, his progress from blasphemer and slave trader to inspirational preacher and abolitionist.
Local history
In order to clarify the two stories told by the museum, the local history section has now become the Olney Museum, separated from the Cowper and Newton collection and housed in the rooms above the shop. Here you can browse through the geology and archaeology of the town, the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons, the Civil War, World War Two, and the lacemaking and boot and shoe trades which were so important to the area.
New facilities
Space has also been created for an Educational Resource Centre, and for an exhibition gallery – known as ‘The Three Hares Gallery’ – which will be available free of charge for use by community groups.
And, as always, there are the museum’s two beautiful gardens to explore.
Tony Seward, Vice-Chair of the Trustees, writes:
‘We want to share what has been achieved with as many people as possible, so do join us. The Friends and Trustees look forward to welcoming you on this special day.” K
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30 Phonebox Magazine