Old Grammar School is transformed into Gosport Museum and Art Gallery in £1.4m project

The project has transformed the former Old Grammar School Grade II listed building into a cultural hub for the whole community in the centre of Gosport, blending history, heritage, arts, education and culture all under one roof. Members of groups from across Gosport came together over a number of months to choose objects and stories to feature in the museum, which is run by Hampshire Cultural Trust.

The revitalised building is also home to Gosport Gallery, which has a rolling programme of exhibitions throughout the year. The gallery has opened with a specially commissioned new video artwork installation, Alien Native, created by internationally renowned Portsmouth-based artists, Heinrich & Palmer. Inspired by plants growing locally and HCT’s botany, or herbarium, collection, the film installation explores so-called alien plants, introduced by human activity, and their native counterparts.

Paul Sapwell, chief executive at HCT said: ‘We could not be more proud of the end result of this project. The spirit of the magnificent Old Grammar School has been beautifully preserved, while modern, open spaces have been introduced that make this a building that really can be used by the whole community.’

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Alongside the museum and gallery, the building also now offers the new Display Space, a gallery that is dedicated to exhibitions that celebrate local art and history, the Play Gallery for under-fives and their parents or carers, a research room, new café and refurbished learning rooms that host the venue’s extensive learning programme for schools.

Councillor Peter Chegwyn, the leader of Gosport Borough Council, said: ‘It’s wonderful to see Gosport Museum and Art Gallery reopened and ready to start its next chapter as a centre of culture and education for the whole community. It’s a fantastic asset for the high street and the whole town, celebrating Gosport’s story. I look forward to visiting regularly and seeing this brilliant space being enjoyed by local people and visitors.’

The refurbishment project was made possible by funding from a number of sources, including Gosport High Street Heritage Action Zone programme led by Historic England, Arts Council England, the Foyle Foundation, Gosport Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, and donations from individuals and groups, including the Friends of Gosport Museum, as well as investment by Hampshire Cultural Trust.

Emily Gee, Historic England regional director, said: ‘We’re really pleased to have helped to deliver the new-look museum and art gallery – with a grant of over £500,000 – so that Gosport’s rich history and new exhibitions can be better experienced. The museum and gallery are key to the Gosport High Street Heritage Action Zone, which is making positive changes for people and places around Stoke Road and the High Street.’

A further source of funding was Tag-A-Tile, a community fundraising campaign, which raised £12,000 by asking individuals, organisations and groups to make a donation towards the cost of the refurbishment in the form of an engraved tile. Nearly 300 tiles were donated, each one inscribed with a personal message. These have been installed in a new courtyard.

To find out more visit gosportmuseumandgallery.org.uk.