Hexham Abbey gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for plans to protect and share its heritage asset of international significance
Hexham Abbey has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Old Treasures in a New Light project, it was announced today. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to deliver deeper understanding of the abbey’s cultural heritage, enhancing the experience for visitors today and future generations. Conserving a unique collection of internationally renowned medieval panel paintings and a rare assembly of grave covers transforming access to their stories via interactive technology and interpretative display.
Development funding of £138,088 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Hexham Abbey progress their plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £994,022 at a later date.
Hexham Abbey has the largest collection of medieval panel paintings in the UK and without this funding from the Heritage Fund, the paintings could be lost forever, without interpretation and accessibility.
The project will enable extensive conservation work to protect Hexham Abbey’s internationally significant medieval panel paintings and grave covers; while transforming the way visitors experience these remarkable treasures.
New digital interpretation of the crypt, the panels and other treasures will help safeguard the Abbey’s heritage from the impacts of climate change and open up its stories to wider audiences. Sensitive new lighting will illuminate the panels while helping to protect them from degradation, and refurbishment of the Slype will create a warmer welcome for visitors while significantly improving energy efficiency.
Improved digital signage and a new activity programme will reduce barriers to access, encourage participation by more diverse audiences and make the Abbey more inclusive. The project will also strengthen Hexham Abbey’s organisational sustainability through new income-generating roles, skills development and training for staff and volunteers, while an engagement programme will connect local communities with their heritage.
Hexham Abbey will be running events throughout the project, visit the website to find one near you.
The Reverend Canon David Glover from Hexham Abbey said: “We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans for vital conservation work, community outreach and sharing the Abbey’s unique and amazing treasures with new audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support Hexham Abbey with this initial grant to work towards undertaking urgent conservation of the Abbey’s significant collection of medieval panel paintings, while also transforming the visitor experience at the wonderful Grade I listed building. Thanks to National Lottery players, this development phase will help progress plans to safeguard the Abbey’s important heritage for future generations.”