It’s now two years since Bankfield Museum opened its doors to the ‘For King and Country’ exhibition, commemorating the centenary of the First World War.
Calderdale Council set up the exhibition to commemorate the area’s contribution to the First World War, by sharing over 60 local stories, hundreds of objects and various archives from the Council’s Museums’ collections.
The top floor of the museum was completely renovated for the exhibition and over 50,000 people have visited since it opened. The fantastic exhibition was also awarded the Royal Historical Society’s Public History Prize, beating competition from across the country.
If you haven’t seen it there’s still time, as the main exhibition will be on display until 2018. Even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to see; there are new displays on the Battle of the Somme and a new series of talks, in addition to the ‘Calm During the Storm’ exhibition from the National Embroiderers’ Guild and displays by the J.B. Priestley Society. Bankfield is also currently home to a giant Game of Thrones embroidery.
The Museum has also been awarded £120,000 from Arts Council England to transform another gallery and create a new community space. The Council will use the funding in a variety of ways to attract a wider range of visitors from all backgrounds; introduce new and unique collections; and increase the involvement of local community groups in shaping and using the museum.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, Cllr Susan Press, said:
“In the two years since ‘For King and Country’ opened at Bankfield Museum, the exhibition has gone from strength to strength, achieving fantastic praise from visitors and even winning prestigious national awards.
“If you’ve never been, I really encourage you to see for yourself the fascinating exhibition, bringing to life the local stories behind the First World War. If you’re planning another visit, there are plenty of new displays to see right across the museum. There’s something for everyone to see this summer.”
Comments from visitors include: ‘What an amazing place…makes you proud to live in West Yorkshire,’ and ‘I have lived here for six years and this is my first visit. Sorry I didn’t visit sooner. An illuminating history of Halifax, fascinating WW1 displays and love the costumes. Thank you.’
Entry to the museum and exhibition is free. For more information, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/museums
Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Road, Halifax, HX3 6HG. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm.