Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft reopens

It will open for a limited number of visitors who book in advance.

The museum, which tells the story of the artists and craftspeople who made Ditchling a creative hub in the 20th century, will initially welcome back visitors four days a week.

In line with the UK government’s updated advice on cultural venues, confirming that people in England can visit museums from July 4, Ditchling will reopen with extensive safety measures in place to protect both staff and visitors.

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft will open with new exhibition tillage by John Newling. The show, which was originally planned for an April opening, will feature works spanning the past 40 years of the artist’s career, alongside new works created during the UK lockdown.

Museum director and CEO Steph Fuller said: “The exhibition, with its focus on the relationship between people, nature and place, feels particularly resonant in our current times.”

In response to government guidelines, there will be new measures in place to protect visitors, staff and volunteers.

All visitors will be required to pre-book their tickets on the museum’s website. Those without a pre-booked ticket will not be permitted entry. Ticket booking opens on July 6.

Ticket bookings will be limited to 30 per cent capacity initially. This will be reviewed in line with government guidance.

The museum will initially be open Thursday-Sunday, 10.30am-5.15pm.

Visitors will book a 90-minute slot and must arrive within the first 30 minutes of their booked slot.

A one-way system will be in place in the museum in order to observe social distancing measures.

Enhanced cleaning has been implemented in line with government guidance.

Some facilities, such as the cafe, will not be open initially.

Sneeze screens have been installed and front-of-house staff may be wearing face shields.

Visitors may wear face coverings should they wish but are not required to do so.

More information can be found at www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/faqs/. Steph added: “The safety of our visitors, staff and volunteers is our utmost priority. We have worked hard to create a safe, welcoming environment for all our visitors, and we are looking forward to welcoming you back.’

Events including an In Conversation with John Newling and a Director’s Tour of the exhibition will take place online. Details and dates to be announced soon.

During the closure the museum has been encouraging its followers to keep creating and stay positive with the #CreateToRelate campaign, which has seen weekly classes for children and video tutorials from some of the country’s leading craftspeople. This programme will continue online over the summer.

The museum’s award winning online shop has reopened: www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk/shop/

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