The minerals are tucked up in stores, the cases are off getting a makeover, and the Mineral Gallery is looking strangely sparse. Times may be changing, but how did we get here?
After Royal Cornwall Museum outgrew its last space on Union Place, the Royal Institution of Cornwall realised they needed somewhere new to house the collection. The building that began life as Truro Savings Bank in 1845, and subsequently became Henderson’s Mining School, fit just right.
In photos from 1917 you can see the Mineral Gallery, looking rather large before the Royal Institution of Cornwall’s collection was moved in. You can even see the many windows that covered the walls, but had to be filled in so that the light wouldn’t damage the minerals, artefacts and paintings.
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In 1993, the museum completed its first redesign and refurbishment. With a mission to provide a welcoming, dynamic and lively cultural hub centred around collections, making changes to museum spaces made sense. It allowed the museum to stay a dynamic space, welcoming the visitors of the day and connecting with them where they were.
In the sketch below, you can even see the original vision for the gallery, very similar to the final result. Now, 20 years later, we’re evolving again, making sure the Mineral Gallery is refreshed and accessible, with some exciting new upgrades in store, so that we can continue to be a welcoming, dynamic and lively cultural hub.
Our collections and their stories will continue to stay at the heart of what we do, as we invite artists, scientists, school children, and everyone in between to explore the minerals and artefacts inside. To discover the past, and future, of Cornwall through its geology and industry. And to create new memories in a gallery with the same look and feel, and an exciting future. Find out more about our transformation.
This project is part funded by the UK Government’s Town Deal programme in partnership with Truro Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council. Cornwall Council is the Lead Authority for the Town Deals in Cornwall and supports the governance role of the Board and administrates the Fund. For more information on the Town Deal visit: https://www.trurotownfund.com