The Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Sue Jameson, cut the ribbon on the refurbished spaces at the official unveiling, which formed part of the Bruce Castle Heritage Quarter (BCHQ) Open Day over the Bank Holiday weekend. Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Emily Arkell, and local ward councillor Ibrahim Ali were also in attendance.
The museum’s unique and fascinating collection now benefits from enhanced accessibility for the borough’s residents and visitors thanks to this exciting Museum Estate and Development (MEND) capital works and restoration programme funded and delivered by Haringey Council and Arts Council England.
The on-site improvements include repairs to historic fabric, fire protection upgrades and addressing some structural issues, while an 18th century room has been transformed into a new public space for community use and exhibitions.
In another exciting development for Bruce Castle Museum and Archive, a new Heritage Trail leaflet and map – a resource to use and explore all year round – was made available for the very first time as well.
This leaflet and map have been beautifully designed and illustrated by local artist Emmie Joanna, who is renowned for her portraits of Haringey landmarks, with generous support from the Antwerp Arms and heritage commentary by Bruce Castle Museum and Archive and the Friends of Tottenham Cemetery.
As well as the museum and archive, other notable landmarks and sites that were open on the day itself included the Antwerp Arms, the gardens at The Priory and the Tottenham Cemetery Chapel.
There were guided talks and walks too throughout an informative, insightful and invigorating day for all attendees.
