Budget 2021: 5 Cumbrian museums we would love to get funding

As part of his announcement, he revealed that a total of £700m will go on supporting arts, culture and sports as they reopen.

Arguably, this sector has been hit the hardest by the pandemic with theatres and museums unable to open for months on end- those in Cumbria are no exception.

In light of the good news, we have tracked down some of the most treasured museums across Cumbria that could use the  government’s support in the coming months.

Here are five local museums that we would love to get some of the funding.

Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle

Tullie House Museum

(Photo: Geograph/Richard Sutcliffe)

This museum is one of the most treasured in Carlisle. If you live locally, it’s likely that you will have visited this museum or even taken a day out with the kids here.

There is a considerable collection of goods at this museum, including decorative art relating to human history and natural sciences.

The museum has been collecting objects relating to Carlisle’s history for over 125 years and their collections tell the stories of people.

Along with the museum aretefacts, there is always an exhibition or event taking place when the museum is up and running normally.

There are some events planned for later this year, depending on the government restrictions at the time.

Clothes lovers will love the ‘Major New Visitor Experience: The Costumer Collection at Tullie House’; this will take place on 17th May 2021.

‘Black Memories Matter’ will take place between October 7-31 December.

This collaborative project between Tullie House Museum, Carlisle Library and Archives service and M-Unit will attempt address the lack of diversity within Cumbria's collections.

Helena Thompson Museum, Workington

(Facebook/ @HelenaThompsonMuseum)

Have you ever been to the Helena Thompson Museum in Workington?

If so, you will be all too familiar with the Georgian surroundings and beautiful collections.

As you wander around the museum, you will learn more about Helena Thompson, an impressive woman who is recognised for her charitable work.

She was also the first lady magistrate in Workington.

The museum collections include costumes, antiques and portraits once owned by Helena Thompson and her family.

As well as being a museum, it is also a community venue where weddings and events take place.

Embroidery and meditation groups are just some of the people who meet here regularly.

Penrith and Eden Museum, Penrith

Penrith and Eden Museum

(Photo: Geograph/Stephen Craven)

There are a whole host of collections at the Penrith and Eden museum.

If you have never been- it is well worth the visit.

They have actively worked with local schools, hosting trips and activities for them during term time.

There are thousands of fascination objects in their collection, including finds from the Roman period and mementos from Penrith’s local heroes.

Once the museum is allowed to re-open, the Remembering Eden project will be going ahead.

This project brings together generational groups and those living with Dementia to share stories of their lives living in the Eden Valley.

The museum also recognise that we are currently living through a significant historical event, so they are inviting people to share their experiences of Covid-19 in the Eden Valley.

Kendal Museum, Kendal

(Facebook/Kendal Museum)

This unique museum lets you take a look through the history of Kendal, from the Neolithic Age right up to the 20th century.

Some of the artefacts are prehistoric and include a variety of Mesolithic tools from the Limestone Uplands of southern Cumbria and a large collection of Neolithic axe material from the Central Fells

One of the displays is dedicated to the notable fellwalker and writer, Alfred Wainwright.

When lockdown restrictions are lifted, the museums regular activities will be able to go ahead.

Tour, Talk and Tea is just £12 a head and the Torch Light Tour will be back too.

Hopefully, this museum can receive a portion of Rishi Sunak’s culture grant in order to host more events and exhibitions in the future.

The Dock Museum, Barrow

Inside the Dock Museum

(Photo: Geograph/David Dixon)

There has been a museum in Barrow since 1907- and it would be lovely if this one received a bit of the government’s funding.

There are so many unique artefacts in the collection now, which are in their galleries or temporary exhibitions.

From Langdale axes that date back to the Neolithic period, to collections of Chinese coins that were found in the county, each object is entirely different from the next.

If you have a fascination for the war and want to learn everything you can about England’s role in it, then a trip to The Dock Museum is essential.

For instance, did you know that thousands of local women were recruited to help in the shipyard?

Eventually, the Barrow works produced 6.8m shells and 8.7 million forgings and partly completed shells.

Which Cumbrian museum is your favourite?