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Museums Northumberland, the museum service for the county, has been awarded £40,000 from Art Fund’s Reimagine programme to enhance the internal exhibition spaces at Hexham Old Gaol. The two-year initiative aims to transform the museum with immersive, community-inspired displays that reinterpret the history and cultural significance of this historic site, which dates back to 1333.
The project will see collaboration with renowned illustrator and printmaker Jonny Hannah, who will work alongside local communities and partners in Hexham and the wider region. Hannah's approach to art, rooted in “urban folklore,” captures stories that often go untold, adding vibrant visuals that bring history to life. His work will explore local stories, myths, and the historical significance of Hexham Old Gaol, creating a vivid and inclusive experience for all ages. Museums Northumberland has previously collaborated with Hannah during his Northumberland Folk exhibition, where he transformed museum spaces through artwork based on local stories.
Rowan Brown, Chief Executive of Museums Northumberland, expressed her excitement for the project, noting that Jonny’s work has a unique power to engage visitors by connecting local narratives to museum collections. “We want to use Jonny’s unique approach to developing art with local people to transform Hexham Old Gaol into an engaging ‘story box,’” Brown said. This transformation aims to offer insights into both historical and contemporary themes related to crime, justice, and human rights.
In addition to collaborating with local residents, the project will expand Museums Northumberland’s ongoing partnership with HMP Northumberland, incorporating themes that resonate with current issues in criminal justice. Vicky Robinson, Director of HMP Northumberland, emphasized the rehabilitative potential of art, adding that many prisoners in the facility have remarkable artistic talents that can be showcased through programs such as this one.
Art Fund’s Reimagine grants support museums in fostering creativity, strengthening partnerships, and increasing resilience. Jenny Waldman, Director of Art Fund, praised the selected projects for their ambition and dedication to community enrichment, noting how local museums continue to provide tremendous value despite facing significant challenges.
Hexham Old Gaol, which became a museum in 1980, holds almost 700 years of history, from its use as a medieval prison to its stories of Tudor jailbreaks, border disputes, and more. Through this project, the museum will reimagine these stories with a focus on inclusivity, creating a dynamic experience for every visitor. The museum is part of Museums Northumberland, which preserves sites of national importance across the county.
Hexham Old Gaol is open to the public until November 3, 2024, after which it will close for the winter, reopening in spring 2025. For more information, visit museumsnorthumberland.org.uk.
