A Hampshire charity is taking a closer look at the stories behind their museum collections at the Allen Gallery in Alton. Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT), which operates 24 museums, galleries and arts centres across Hampshire, is undertaking a major research project to expand and re-claim information about the nationally and internationally significant collection of ceramics hosted at the Allen Gallery.
Volunteers have been recruited to work alongside staff to research and conserve objects, as well as to conceptualise new ways to showcase the collection items and share their stories with visitors and online audiences. This activity is part of a year-long project, Rediscovering the Allen Gallery, to rediscover the untold stories of the collections, develop more volunteer opportunities and to forge new and develop existing relationships with community groups and local partners. The long-term goal of the project is a capital works redevelopment of the building. Funding for the first year of the project has been received from National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The aim of the community research programme is to improve museum records through creating an up-to-date inventory of items and photographing them. The research will focus on social history and previously underrepresented histories to develop themes for the objects’ interpretation and display in the gallery. The team will showcase objects with significant stories throughout the process and share them in venue, via the trust’s digital publication Culture On Call and on the HCT collections website.
The collections include an impressive and varied selection of pottery, porcelain and tiles dating from 1250 to the present day. The ceramics on display at the Allen Gallery form part of a much larger collection cared for by Hampshire Cultural Trust, stored in Winchester, which is also being researched as part of this project.
Deborah Neubauer, Director of Community and Impact at Hampshire Cultural Trust commented, ‘We are very excited to begin to share the stories behind the fascinating collection of ceramics at the Allen Gallery. The collections team of both staff and volunteers is working hard to rediscover the important history of these objects, how they contribute to the history of Alton and their significance both nationally and internationally.’
Hampshire Cultural Trust will soon be launching an appeal to raise funds to realise the second phase of the project: a refurbishment of the Allen Gallery which will showcase the ceramics collection, create a dedicated community space and make a significant contribution to the culture, economy and life of Alton.
For more information and to find out how you can support Rediscovering the Allen Gallery, please visit https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/rediscovering-allen-gallery.