Public flock to new gallery

Bolton Museum’s new Bolton Lives Gallery has now opened to the public.

Residents and visitors to the borough flocked to see the new gallery for the first time on Saturday (October 23), to learn about the history of Bolton.

The gallery is divided into three sections: a look at industrialisation and the invention of Samuel Crompton’s Spinning Mule; the changes to Bolton’s landscape; and the lives of Boltonians past and present.

Highlights in the gallery include a ‘talking heads’ display featuring Samuel Crompton and Richard Arkwright,  a new bronze bust of Fred Dibnah, and a turnstile from Burnden Park, former home of Bolton Wanderers.

The gallery was formally opened by Councillor John Byrne, Mayor of Bolton, to a selection of guests and friends of the museum.
                                    
The improvements to the gallery also include a new lift, new lights, restoration of the original parquet flooring, and renovation of the original 1930s display cabinets.

Councillor Elaine Sherrington, Executive Member for Adults and Community Services, said: “The new gallery looks absolutely fantastic, and gives the amazing pieces on show the surroundings they deserve.

“Each section of the room is full of fascinating items, from the Spinning Mule to the turnstile from Burnden Park, and it there is something here for everyone to enjoy, whether a Bolton resident or from further afield.”

ENDS

ISSUED BY GEORGE WRIGHT, MEDIA RELATIONS TEAM, BOLTON COUNCIL TEL 01204 331023.



George Wright
Media Officer
Bolton Council

01204 331023
george.wright@bolton.gov.uk
Communications and Marketing Agency,
Second floor, The Wellsprings,
Bolton, BL1 1US.