Craven Museum gains cross-party support for top national award

IN just more than a week's time, Craven Museum in Skipton will find out whether it has been named National Museum of the Year.

The award-winning visitor attraction, housed in Skipton Town Hall was back in April named as one of the five finalists including London’s National Portrait Gallery for the world’s largest museum prize, the Art Fund Museum of the Year.

At a special evening ceremony at London's National Gallery on Wednesday, July 10, the winner of the title and £120,000 will be revealed.

And, in a show of support, councillors from the various political parties represented on North Yorkshire Council, which owns the town hall, gathered in a collective show of support outside County Hall in Northallerton.

Conservative councillor Simon Myers,who represents Mid-Craven and as a member of the former Craven District Council spearheaded improvements to the town hall and museum, said: “It was uplifting to see colleagues from across the political divide coming together to endorse Craven Museum in its endeavour to become the Art Fund Museum of the Year.

"Reaching the final of this prestigious competition is a tremendous recognition of the work done by its excellent team to make a difference to our communities. It’s not just about buildings or collections, it’s what you can do with them.”

In addition to Craven Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, the three other finalists are Dundee Contemporary Arts, Manchester Museum and London’s Young V&A -Victoria & Albert- Museum.

Cllr Andy Solloway, (North Yorkshire Ind, Skipton West and West Craven) said: “Having worked hard for many years to champion Craven Museum, I am over the moon that it has gone so far. I am also pleased that councillors representing all parts of North Yorkshire joined in a cross-party collective effort to advance and promote this community-focused organisation.”

Cllr Bryn Griffiths, leader of the Liberal Democrat and Liberal group, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to congratulate Craven Museum on becoming shortlisted as one of the five finalists in this competition. It’s a tribute to the local community and staff for the work they do to provide a high-quality cultural experience for both residents and the many visitors to the area.”

Craven Museum features many historically significant items, from Neolithic skulls to one of Shakespeare’s First Folios.

Cllr David Noland (Green, Skipton North and Embsay with Eastby), said: “I always enjoy my visits to Craven Museum as do many residents as well as tourists. The museum is particularly popular with local families and their children who love to learn about the cultural and historic heritage of the area. The staff are always very welcoming and the upstairs gallery hosts a variety of fascinating exhibitions throughout the year.”

Last year, Craven Museum was named the UK’s most family-friendly museum and the most accessible museum.

Cllr Steve Shaw-Wright, leader of the Labour group, said: “Having worked for a national museum, I’m all too aware of the hard work and dedication that goes into running a successful museum, which Craven museum so obviously is. To be a finalist is a well-earned accolade and shows the professionalism of all involved. Hopefully, the outcome will be another award for the already award-winning cultural treasure of North Yorkshire.”