A MUSEUM has been given the seal of approval from a top sector magazine.

The Musuems Journal has published a four-page review of Bridport Museum. It comes after a £1.3m redevelopment which has seen visitor numbers more than double this year.

The Journal described the redevelopment as ‘a fine addition to the Jurassic Coast’s museum scene’ as well as a ‘delight to visit’ with ‘something to offer every visitor’.

Camilla Hampshire is museum manager at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, and is also a Trustee of Bridport Museum. She said:

“The Museums Association is regarded as ‘the’ professional membership organisation for the sector- so to achieve such a review as this is a fantastic accolade, and recognition of a project brilliant achieved with the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and community commitment.”

She added that visitors are also clearly enjoying themselves, and have left comments such as: “Couldn’t believe how this museum has transformed. Tactile and child friendly”; “This is the way to go for museums. It relates history to community”; “What a refreshing and uplifting experience.”

Thousands of people have been through the doors since the museum re-opened in May, after the redevelopment which was funded by the Heritage Lottery Find (HLF) as well as grants from Bridport Town Council and West Dorset District Council.

Curators have worked hard to produce interactive exhibits, with an emphasis on Bridport’s history including an Ackerman netting loom and working rope walk.

But while the museum celebrates the netting heritage, the review noted that ‘there is more to see’, with displays about the development of Bridport and West Bay as a tourist destination over the past two centuries, which the reviewer described as ‘engaging’.

The museum open all year round and entry is free for residents and visitors.

The Museums Journal is the publication of the Museums Association, the oldest of its kind in the world, which celebrates inclusive, participatory and socially engaged museums at the heart of their communities.

Visit www.bridportmusuem.co.uk for more information.