Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum Redevelopment

A major project to redevelop the Art Gallery and Museum is underway. Improvements include the provision of new exhibition spaces in Bedford Gallery, a building that has not been used for almost 40 years together with the refurbishment of existing galleries, re-display of collections, new collections stores, Learning and Activity Spaces, a new reception, shop and café.

The provision of new galleries and improvement of existing facilities will provide Bedford with first class facilities of national standing in the Town Centre’s Cultural Quarter.

Putting Bedford on the National Cultural Map

Facility improvements have already been recognised with news that Bedford Gallery will be hosting High Kicks and Low Life: The Prints of Toulouse-Lautrec on tour from the British Museum from January 15 to April 10 2011.

Phase 1 – Bedford Gallery

Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum have been successful in securing £2.5 million from the Government through the Growth Area Fund to refurbish two historic buildings – Bedford Gallery and the Hexagon. The spaces, originally built in the 1840s have been used for wide variety of purposes including exhibitions and education activities; however, Bedford Gallery closed in the early 1970’s and has not been used since.

Bedford Gallery opened in April 2009 with an exhibition of Highlights from Cecil Higgins Art Gallery and Bedford Museum. Bedford Gallery is host to a changing exhibition and event programme, details of which can be found on this website.

Bedford Gallery provides over 200 square metres of state of the art exhibition space, as well as being a venue for a wide variety of events and activities, including corporate events, lectures, meetings and other social functions.

Phase 2 - Refurbishment of Art Gallery and Museum

Outline building plans have been prepared and a Fundraising Programme launched to secure funds to support the proposals. Works cannot start until all funds are identified and secured.

The overall cost of the refurbishment of the Art Gallery and Museum buildings including new galleries, new collection stores, Learning and Activity Spaces, a new reception, shop and café, mechanical and electrical plant and equipment is estimated at £6.7 million.

Current pledges of financial support total £2.3 million, with grants totalling £4 million being considered by Bedford Borough Council, Bedford Charity and the Heritage Lottery Fund in the forthcoming months; leaving £400,000 to raise. Grant applications to Trusts, Business and individuals continue to be made.

Subject to the success of the fundraising programme it is anticipated that Bedford Museum will close at the end of 2010 with refurbishment works staring early in 2011. Works are expected to take 18 months (including the fitting out of new displays) with all facilities expected to reopen in late 2012. More detailed information concerning the timetable will be able to be prepared once detailed designs are finalised and tenders for works received.

Cecil Higgins Art Gallery closed as a consequence of the works to Bedford Gallery and will remain closed with collections protected in storage until refurbishment works begin.

Fundraising

A Patrons Scheme was launched in October 2009. For a one off contribution of £600 (individual person) or £1,000 (two people) you can become a Patron and receive benefits from your support of the Art Gallery and Museum. For details of the scheme please download the Patron Brochure. If you require any further details please contact Gemma Hutton, Sales and Marketing Officer on 01234 211222 or by email gemma.hutton@bedford.gov.uk

If you would like to help raise funds for this project or would like to make a donation please contact John Moore, Director on 01234 356816 or by email john.moore@bedford.gov.uk

Private hire of Bedford Gallery

Bedford Gallery is a perfect venue for a social or corporate event. If you would like to hold an event at Bedford Gallery please contact Gemma Hutton, Sales and Marketing Officer on 01234 211222 or by email at gemma.hutton@bedford.org.uk