Soap king’s Port Sunlight museum reopens after major revamp

Feb 20 2013 by Helen Hunt, Heswall News

PORT Sunlight museum has opened its doors after a major revamp and won an exclusive sponsorship deal.

The historic venue reopened on the weekend, having completed a £65,000 refurbishment.

And chief executive Lionel Bolland revealed a new sponsorship deal has been struck with Unilever brand PG Tips.

The tea company has signed as headline sponsor for the Museum’s Winter Food Festival as well as the tourist attraction’s popular Tea Rooms.

The deal came as the museum celebrated 125 years since the founding of Port Sunlight.

Mr Bolland said: “We’re in a period of real change and growth.

“The museum makeover includes the creation of a special exhibitions gallery, improvements to the permanent exhibitions, gift shop and new visitor signage.

“Coupled with this is the exciting news of our sponsorship deal with Unilever PG Tips.

“I’m delighted and their support is an important development for our ambitious plans in 2013.”

The revamped museum follows the second phase of a five-year development plan for the venue which preserves and promotes Port Sunlight created by ‘Soap King’ William Hesketh Lever for his factory workers in 1888.

Funding for the refurbishment project came from Port Sunlight Village Trust and the Biffa Award, which awards grants to community and environmental projects across the UK.

Museum manager Katherine Lynch welcomed the revamp, which meant they had been closed since New Year’s Eve.

She said: “2013 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of Port Sunlight and these improvements are a key part of our celebration plans. I predict they and the museum will make a significant impact on the tourism pound in Wirral this year.”