Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery welcomed Duke of Gloucester

The Duke, who is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin and a full-time working member of the Royal Family, is associated with over 150 charities and organisations and has a personal interest in heritage, architecture, and conservation.

HRH The Duke of Gloucester was warmly welcomed to the museum by Co-Directors Jonathan Morton and Bryony Robins, alongside Chair of Trustees Julie Caplin Grey. Picture: Gavan Goulder (Image: Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro) He was warmly welcomed to the museum by Co-Directors Jonathan Morton and Bryony Robins, alongside Chair of Trustees Julie Caplin Grey.

After meeting local council representatives as well as Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham, the Duke was shown the new Mineral, Nature and Art Galleries where, following an extensive transformation, the museum’s impressive collections have been reimagined for a new generation of visitors.

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He was also taken on a tour of the Heart of Cornwall Gallery; here at the centre of the museum, iconic objects and artefacts from Cornish history are displayed and famous local characters and places are brought to life.

the Duke was shown the new Mineral, Nature and Art Galleries. Picture Gavan Goulder (Image: Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro) Ms Robins said: “In transforming the galleries, we’ve prioritised making our collections accessible to all, creating engaging and immersive displays, and involving our communities. The reintroduction of an art gallery showcasing the permanent collection has also been a much-welcomed improvement.”

Mr Morton added: “It was encouraging to hear the Duke’s positive comments throughout the tour.

“He was particularly impressed with the work of the designers, Wignall and Moore, to uncover the building’s beautiful original architecture, and how Cornwall’s rich history has been brought to life in fresh new ways.” 

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The Duke also met artist and explorer Tony Foster, who guided him through his recently opened exhibition, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective by Tony Foster; the exhibition of watercolour diaries recording journeys to remote wild places appealed to the Duke’s passion for conservation.  

The Duke also met artist and explorer Tony Foster, who guided him through his recently opened exhibition, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective by Tony Foster. Picture Gavan Goulder (Image: Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro)  After this whistle-stop tour of the upgraded spaces, the Duke paused for refreshments in the Courtney Library, home to the Royal Institution of Cornwall’s astonishing collection of manuscripts, books, and archival materials.

Before he left, the Duke signed a special Visitor’s Book and took part in the burying of a time capsule in the museum’s new garden.

The internment of the time capsule marks a special moment in the museum’s long history; first opened in 1919, it is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation with the goal of securing a sustainable, thriving future for the institution, which receives no regular government funding.

Before he left, the Duke signed a special Visitor’s Book and took part in the burying of a time capsule in the museum’s new garden. Picture Gavan GoulderChair of Trustees, Julie Caplin Grey, said: “We’re extremely honoured by the visit of The Duke of Gloucester today.

“He showed huge interest in our efforts to modernise the museum and present Cornish history, art, nature and culture afresh.

“We’d encourage everyone visiting Cornwall this summer to follow in his footsteps!”