It’s not only pubs, theatres and cinemas that have been forced to close while we fight this dreadful virus. Bath’s museums have also pulled down the shutters for the foreseeable future.
Not all of them have the backup of a local authority – or wealthy patrons – and will struggle financially if this is a long, drawn-out affair.
The Museum of Bath at Work is an independent charitable trust and receives no public funding of any kind.
It has issued the following statement:
‘The Chair and Trustees of Bath Industrial Heritage Trust have taken the disappointing but inevitable decision to close the Museum for a temporary period, until such time that the Government advise it is safe for us to re-open.
The huge impact of the Covid-19 virus epidemic on the economy will affect us badly, as we rely on the income from visitors for more than 50% of our operating costs (the remainder coming from donations and fundraising).
If you are able to make a donation, we will be very grateful – please Gift Aid it if you can. Go to http://www.bath-at-work.org.uk/you-can-help-the-museum/ to donate online, or send a donation by cheque to the Museum address.
Please check back to the website regularly for updates and changes, or ring us, 01225 318 348. We want to welcome you back to the Museum just as soon as we can! And we’ll plan some events and film screenings for the autumn to celebrate.
While the building is closed to the public, we are still working behind the scenes, so please contact the Museum Director on mobaw@hotmail.com or 01225 318 348.’
