Show your support for Buxton Museum with mass photo call this weekend

On Saturday, June 8 We Are Buxton Community Forum are planning a show of solidarity to Buxton Museum and Art Gallery which shut suddenly one year ago.

Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, BMAG, operated by Derbyshire County Council DCC, was abruptly closed on 1 June 2023 following the discovery of dry rot in the building’s structural timbers, posing a safety risk.

Last month Derbyshire County Council announced BMAG will not be returning to Peak Buildings, which is to be put up for sale.

Supporters are now concerned about the short-term and long-term future of the museum and gallery, keeping the collections together and in Buxton and the future of Peak Buildings.

We Are Buxton, a group of eight local, not-for-profit community groups working in-and-for the town, has unanimously agreed to support a Love BMAG Campaign.

Spokesperson Jean Ball said: “Whilst we welcome the commitment expressed by DCC to there being a future for BMAG, we remain concerned that a new home is sought for this valuable collection and that another of Buxton’s heritage buildings has an uncertain future.

“We need DCC to ensure that a suitable, long-term solution is swiftly secured with a view to establishing a viable single venue for the collection in Buxton.

“We support DCC efforts to establish extensive and ongoing interim activities to ensure that the museum and gallery remain accessible to as many people as possible.”

Supporters will mark the one year anniversary with a show of support on Saturday at 11am.

The aim is to gather as many people as possible, of all ages, for a photo opportunity on the steps of the closed Terrace Road building.

The group says this is an opportunity to show the strength of feeling locally about the loss of this special place, the cultural activities and heritage collections and archives that have contributed so much to so many.

The photo opportunity will be effective if lots of people come along on the day, campaigners say.

Jean said: “The public gathering at 11am on 8 June will go ahead under the slogan ‘We love BMAG’.

“It is a brief moment to demonstrate the love felt by Buxtonians for the prestigious Museum and Art Gallery which first opened on Terrace Road in 1928 having formerly been housed in the Town Hall.

“We are aiming for a visual show of strength with a good size crowd for the photo.

“Can you spare half an hour to help illustrate how much BMAG is missed and the importance of a positive sustainable future for our cultural and heritage resources? Please come along.”

Participants should assemble in The Green Man Gallery yard next door to the museum at 10.40am, prior to moving down the slope to pose around the BMAG entrance on Terrace Road for the photo.

Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome and Jean says the event will go ahead regardless of the weather.