Chimney pots

Examples of the interesting natural history exhibits that can now been seen.

Some of the fascinating exhibits on display within the museum.

The new look museum frontage. Photograph credit Westbury Manor

Last week we saw the museum in its nearly completed state. The transformation has rejuvinated the museum from a tired shell to a clean and contemporary space. The inviting forecourt reveals a high quality historic building that was previously hidden from view. With the grand re-opening this weekend the 28th -30th July, the public will get their first taste of this.

Already there is an exciting programme of events for Westbury Manor, entering its new phase, including, entertaining and engaging heritage trails inbetween the museum and the Ashcroft Arts Centre. The trails run from 10am & 1pm from the Ashcroft and 11am & 2pm from Westbury. For more information please visit Westbury Manors Facebook page at: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10154481744006541&substory_index=0&id=181295226540

On our approach to Westbury we saw 2 brick flower beds full of palm trees, fearns, lillies and colourful foliage. With the gates and front wall removed the museum has a more inviting frontage.   Through the front door we entered into the new ‘library’ space which is a flexible community room where visitors can take a seat on the comfy leather sofas, and also get hands on with some of the artefacts. In the corner is a flash of colour in a display of kingfishers, their brilliant hues illuminating the intricately carved cabinet in which they are housed. Our next stop was the cafe’ contemporary in decor whilst remaining sympathetic to the original style of the building. The marble topped tables echoed the aesthetic of the fireplace. In the main seating area of the cafe’ we saw a magnificent cabinet of curiosities, containing wonders from around the world, including a South American Spoonbill. Within the cafe’ is a selection of Hampshire Fayre produce including Gin, wines, beers, marmalade, all produced locally. In the shop is a beautifully presented range of quality items, linking back to the displays in the collection, including Spoonbills and butterflies. There is a stunning collection of locally produced art and jewellry also available. Up the sweeping staircase, the story of the house is told and the exhibitions took us on a journey through the history of Fareham and surrounding areas. The temporary exhibition space, named after generous benefactor Winifred Cocks opens with ‘Out of Egypt’. We won’t spoil the rest for you, as the museum opens its doors to the public this Saturday 22nd July. Entry to the museum is free. Let us know your views via twitter @WestburyHistory

On our approach to Westbury we saw 2 brick flower beds full of palm trees, fearns, lillies and colourful foliage. With the gates and front wall removed the museum has a more inviting frontage.   Through the front door we entered into the new ‘library’ space which is a flexible community room where visitors can take a seat on the comfy leather sofas, and also get hands on with some of the artefacts. In the corner is a flash of colour in a display of kingfishers, their brilliant hues illuminating the intricately carved cabinet in which they are housed. Our next stop was the cafe’ contemporary in decor whilst remaining sympathetic to the original style of the building. The marble topped tables echoed the aesthetic of the fireplace. In the main seating area of the cafe’ we saw a magnificent cabinet of curiosities, containing wonders from around the world, including a South American Spoonbill. Within the cafe’ is a selection of Hampshire Fayre produce including Gin, wines, beers, marmalade, all produced locally. In the shop is a beautifully presented range of quality items, linking back to the displays in the collection, including Spoonbills and butterflies. There is a stunning collection of locally produced art and jewellry also available. Up the sweeping staircase, the story of the house is told and the exhibitions took us on a journey through the history of Fareham and surrounding areas. The temporary exhibition space, named after generous benefactor Winifred Cocks opens with ‘Out of Egypt’. We won’t spoil the rest for you, as the museum opens its doors to the public this Saturday 22nd July. Entry to the museum is free. Let us know your views via twitter @WestburyHistory

From behind the scenes at Westbury manor.

Things are happening. Great internal colours in keeping with the building. A fab new cafe underway. An Inviting new hard landscaped frontage to entice you in and enjoy.

Wonderful exhibition areas with informative history of Fareham borough including Porchester, Titchfield and the manor house it's self. An area of curiosities that Christine Taylor the curator of natural science (bugs, rocks, fossils etc) is putting together at present.

Some old favourites will be there, one being the strawberry cart that is under wraps as it would have been almost impossible to remove. MORE TO COME.....................

The journey so far

Since our first visit to Westbury when the building works were in progress we have been on an enlightening journey behind the scenes. Visiting Chilcomb in Winchester where Hampshire Cultural Trust have their head office, this is also where the vast quantities of museum collections are stored, restored and catalogued, from bugs, taxidermy, earthenware, clothing, curiosities, firearms, vehicles and social history artifacts including televisions and radios.

It surprising how heavily reliant HCT are on volunteers having seen them at work cleaning the artefacts, logging collections, digitising photographs and fulfilling many other roles within the museum.

On our return to Westbury we were pleased to see the progress that had been made. The rooms were ready for the display cabinets and collections to be put in place and the main staircase was looking very attractive.

Introduction

Digital Inclusion Project Goes Behind the Scenes at Westbury Manor Museum

Westbury Manor Museum in Fareham is being transformed into an authentic, exciting, engaging multifunctional venue offering a truly unique visitor experience that is economically sustainable.

As part of that project the ground floor will be reorganised to accommodate a refurbished tea room, a gift shop and a flexible area which can be used for schools, events and workshops.

As part of the refurbishment project, Hampshire Cultural Trust are excited to be supporting local older volunteers in developing online digital content.  This will document the  transformation of the museum using social media platforms such as Tumblr, Twitter and Facebook.

Regular updates will be posted showing the latest stages of the refurbishment with news of future exhibits.

We will be reporting on what is happening behind the scenes at Westbury Manor Museum during its refurbishment. Westbury Manor Museum is located in Fareham, Hampshire and is operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust.

Some of the artefacts we viewed at Chilcomb that may be used in Westbury Manor including a vase of flowers made entirely of shells.

A number of fragile exhibits were carefully packed and have now been returned to Westbury Manor.

Test

This is the head of an Icthyosaur which was restored at Chilcomb House in Hampshire.

Exhibits that were boxed up have now returned to Westbury Manor ready to be displayed.

These are the gates from the former workhouse in Fareham.