Popular writer Hunter Davies was among supporters who breathed a sigh of relief this week at the news that the Museum of Ryde – on the verge of closure due to financial woes – has been reprieved.
The museum has been saved — at least for this year, thanks to the generosity of hundreds of local people.
More than £7,000 raised
There was also a big thank you to those who have supported a major funding campaign.
Local companies, including the Cigar Lounge, Pickle and Dill, and the Ryde Business Association helped organise a cheese and wine party last week attended by more than 70 people, which raised £7,000. This included individual donations of £1,000 and £3,000.
Harris: We’ve been very humbled by people’s generosity
The museum is in the basement of the Grade II star listed Royal Victoria Arcade on Union Street, where chairman of the Historic Ryde Society, Brian Harris, said,
“It’s enough to keep us going for another year.
“We’ve been very humbled by people’s generosity. But these are tough times.”
Brian, 76, a former Ryde Mayor in 2010-11, and his wife Sandy, have been running the museum since it opened 12 years ago. The HRS won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2015.
Davies: It’s about people who lived in the past and live today
Hunter, who has a house in Ryde, featured Brian and the museum in his recent book about the Island, Love In Old Age: My Year In The Wight House.
He said that supporting the Museum of Ryde is really about supporting ourselves.
“It’s the history of people who live in Ryde, but it’s not just about our town. It’s about people who lived in the past and live today.
“I remember walking around the museum and seeing a party of people of all ages who suddenly recognised the school they’d gone to. They’d recognise the uniform and the photos and it started so many memories. You don’t need architectural wonders in a museum with famous people – you just need ordinary stuff.”
‘The Museum of the Rude’
Hunter’s favourite exhibit is the Donald McGill saucy postcard exhibition, which he described as ‘The Museum of the Rude’.
In 1953, police raided 5 shops in Ryde and seized over 5,000 McGill postcards. Donald was prosecuted under the 1857 Obscene Publications Act.
Hunter admitted the postcards were not always politically correct, adding,
“But it’s social history and unique. McGill is not just a great artist. He’s witty and funny and many enjoy his double entendres. You get far worse today.”
News shared by Peter on behalf of the Museum of Ryde. Ed
Image: Brian Harris, Hunter Davies, Jo Cooper, writer and volunteer, and Sandy Harris
