Port Sunlight Museum closes for refurbishment work to create new gallery and gift shop

Jan 9 2013 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

WORK has started on the refurbishment of Port Sunlight Museum.

The museum closed on New Year’s Eve for the project – the second phase of a five-year development plan – which will see the creation of a special exhibitions gallery, the refurbishment of the museum’s gift shop and new signs.

There will also be improvements to permanent exhibitions.

The museum will be shut until early February but its tea room and visitor toilets will remain open throughout the refurbishment.

Visitors will also still be able to book guided tours of the village at the museum.

The project is being carried out with funding from the Biffa Award and Port Sunlight Village Trust.

Museum manager Katherine Lynch said: “The improvements will also enable us to explore some new themes in the permanent exhibitions such as of the Garden City Movement, early urban planning, the development of the village, soap making, and the history of Lever Brothers Port Sunlight.

“2013 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of Port Sunlight and these improvements are a key part of our celebration plans.”

The museum, located opposite the Lady Lever Art Gallery, will reopen with a special exhibition on Lady Lever, the wife of village founder William Hesketh Lever.

This year marks the centenary of Lady Lever’s death and the exhibition will celebrate her life and contribution to the village.