THE WRITER of Downton Abbey had the honour of laying the final brick to complete the new roof at Dorset Museum, marking a significant step in its £15.3m transformation.

Lord Julian Fellowes of West Stafford joined museum staff to celebrate the completion of structural work with Dorset-based construction company Acheson.

Acknowledging the museum reaching the highest point of construction with the roof now complete, the ‘Topping Out’ ceremony saw Patron of the Tomorrow’s Museum for Dorset project, Lord Fellowes, place the final brick to mark the occasion.

Dr Jon Murden, Director of Dorset Museum said: “At times over the past few months I did not know whether we would reach this point this summer, but I am absolutely delighted to be joined by Lord Fellowes and the Acheson team to celebrate this tremendous milestone.

“Seeing the structural element of the build come together has made us even more excited for the future and what’s to come over the coming months. As a team, we are very much looking forward to moving into the next stages of the development which will see the Museum turn into the state-of-the-art facility we promised, ready for you all to enjoy next year.”

Kristina Broughton, Partnership Manager at the Wessex Museums Partnership, said: “This is such an exciting moment for Dorset Museum as they move another step closer to opening their new museum. Wessex Museums is delighted to support our partner on this journey through the work of our consortium. These fantastic new facilities will significantly enhance Dorset Museum’s ability to connect people to the outstanding art and heritage of our region.”

Board members, donors, supporters and staff watched the event virtually.

Dr Murden added: “Given the current social distancing restrictions, like many other organisations, we have had to think on our feet and adapt to the changing times.

"We could not have got to this point today without the support and funding from key stakeholders including the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England. It therefore wouldn’t have felt right to mark the occasion without them.”

Working on the project since planning began to help turn the vision into reality, Colin Johnson, Group Operations Director of Acheson Construction says: “Acheson are extremely proud to be celebrating this important milestone today with all those closely involved in this fantastic project.

“We are very pleased at how the build is progressing and look forward to the next exciting phase of the development and helping the Museum realise their vision for this historic site.’’

The new Museum will be opening its doors in early 2021 as an award-winning institution. For more information and to follow the progress, please visit www.dorsetcountymuseum.org