A CALL by former culture minister Ed Vaizey to bring history and art alive in existing spaces rather than spend money on new museums has attracted support in Swindon.

Mr Vaizey made his comments earlier this week as the town waits to find out if the Heritage Lottery Fund approves a final funding bid to build a landmark museum and art gallery.

The MP spoke in relation to a government-commissioned review suggesting public funds should be used to repair existing galleries, rather than construct new ones.

He advocated a move away from “bricks and mortar” in favour of a more creative approach to displaying objects, using shopping malls if necessary.

Mike Pringle, chairman of the Richard Jefferies Museum in Coate, said: “The former arts minister is suggesting something I have been saying for years.

“For example, Swindon has a vast collection of agricultural items which have been locked away for years, only about ten per cent is on display and there are carts, tractors and smaller pieces.

“Why not take out one of the carts and fill it with vegetables outside a Tesco?

“As we have found out, museums are so expensive to run and it is hard to get people to part with their money. At a time when the government is looking to save money we should be more pro-active in the way we help the museums display their collections.

"Why not have a Lowry hanging in the Brunel Centre or put some exhibits in glass dividers at the Wyvern? Even with the security costs this approach would be a fraction of the price of a new museum. There is some unbelievable stuff in our collection and we should give it pride of place around the town.”

Ana Kelly, who rallied opposition against the new museum and art gallery, also backed the idea, especially in relation to the planned Carriage Works mixed-use development, which includes revamping the Great Western Railway pedestrian tunnel.

“The collection that Swindon has is an exceptionally important one,” she said.

“The point about existing spaces is a good one and we should look at the existing spaces we have got in terms of the Carriage Works, which would make an amazing gallery.

“It would also make a smooth trail between the shopping areas with the tunnel being revitalised and allow shoppers on the route to see the art and make it more inviting.

“The idea of having some exhibits in the shopping centres would be an added attraction.

“I agreed with Ed Vaizey’s points about the viability and how sensible it is to have all these new-build buildings. I think it’s questionable.”

Advocates for plans to build the £22 million venue on the site of the Wyvern Theatre car park will find out in weeks if a final funding bid has been successful.

Rod Hebden, director of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust, told the Adver earlier this week that he remained committed to a purpose-built venue.

He said that though the principle of using existing spaces was right, there remained an unassailable case for building a new venue that would replace the “not fit for purpose” museum in Old Town.

ENDS