Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden visits Bushey Museum

Oliver Dowden stopped by the museum in Bushey High Street on Friday, where he was given a tour by art curator Pat Woollard.

The politician was shown a new exhibition - The Young Generation - that features paintings and drawings involving children, including artwork by pupils at St Margaret's School, as well as children's costumes and toys.

In total, he spent nearly a hour at the museum which also included chatting with volunteers over a cup of coffee.

Mr Dowden said: Visiting the great museums this country has to offer has always been one of my favourite pastimes and I have missed it dearly. Hertsmere is a historic borough with a wealth of cultural and heritage attractions and Bushey Museum is one of the best.

"It is fantastic to be back at Bushey Museum and Art Gallery today. I have visited many times and I was excited to tour their new exhibition ‘The Young Generation’ alongside art curator Pat.

"I would encourage everyone to get out and visit this real local gem and support the great venues this country and our local area has to offer."

Oliver Dowden inside Bushey Museum with art curator Pat Woollard

Audrey Adams, chair of the museum trustees, added: "We are delighted to welcome Mr Dowden to Bushey Museum and Art Gallery to celebrate our reopening now that lockdown measures have eased.

"We are a local history museum and art gallery run entirely by volunteers with many displays on the artistic history of Bushey and the surrounding area. We are very grateful for Mr Dowden's visit, and for the continuing support of our visitors and our local community.

"The volunteers and I are looking forward to welcoming visitors back.”

Bushey Museum is open Thursdays to Saturdays, from 11am -4pm. Admission is free.

The museum’s art collection is the largest in Hertfordshire and is mainly from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.