The oldest Livery Company in the City of London has made a substantial donation to the UK’s hottest museum project, taking them closer to more than £300 million needed to fund the ambitious project.
Worshipful Company of Weavers has generously given the Museum of London a sum of £100,000 to help fund the move from their Barbican centre to a new state-of-the-art location in West Smithfield.
The magnificent donation is one of the largest ever made by the Company in its almost 900-year history, and will support the Museum in becoming one of Europe’s leading cultural destinations, combining ultra-advanced technologies with engaging storytelling.
Commenting on the funding, Sharon Ament, Director at Museum of London said: “Today’s announcement is the latest important step on our journey to West Smithfield, and what better way to start the New Year.
“The Weavers’ Company not only represent a long and prosperous history but a deep-rooted commitment to the future through their support and investment into young people and the textile industry across the country.”
Ariel shot of the new West Smithfield site
London’s most ambitious project
The new home for the Museum of London will see the largely unused market buildings in West Smithfield transformed into the new visitor experience, set to take a prime position in the Cultural Mile, a 24-hour arts quarter in London’s pipeline. The overall Museum project expected to cost an eyewatering £337 million.
Plans for the new site were first announced in 2015, with the City of London Corporation supplying a super generous £197 million of the funds. The Mayor of London also made a capped contribution of £70 million in 2017, with further fundraising efforts securing the museum £27 million so far.
These include £5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, £10 million from the Company of Goldsmiths and £10 million from the Linbury Trust. As of February 2020, the project still has £43 million to raise to open as planned in 2024.
Elsewhere, see how Sysco Productions are supporting the Museum of London in the ambitious move.
