Inside Witney Museum’s major heritage transformation

Denise Berkley tells us about Witney Museum which has reopened with major heritage revamp.

A fresh chapter has begun for Witney and District Museum, which reopened on 8 April 2026 following a major redevelopment supported by a £198,096 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The volunteer-run museum, first opened in 1996, has undergone an extensive transformation designed to secure its future while bringing the town’s story to life in new and engaging ways.

At the heart of the project is a focus on Witney’s evolution since the closure of its last blanket factory in 2002, ensuring more recent history is captured alongside its industrial past.

Visitors will immediately notice the striking new gallery displays, created in collaboration with designer Sam Brown and studio work-form.

Inspired by traditional tenter racks once used in the town’s blanket industry, the installations give the space a distinctive and locally rooted identity.

A key feature of the redevelopment is the “Voices of Witney” project, which captures oral histories from local people, adding a rich and personal dimension to the museum’s collection.

Among those featured are individuals who have helped shape the town, from educators and creatives to community figures.

The museum also explores Witney’s wider heritage, including its long association with blanket manufacturing, as well as stories of healthcare and innovation, from traditional high street chemists to modern employers such as Abbott.

Chair of the management committee, David How, praised the impact of the funding. “We’re really grateful for the support from lottery players,” he said. “We’re proud to be launching our fresh, exciting showcases for Witney’s treasures and we see a bright future for the town’s heritage.”

Volunteer collections manager Beverley Sherwood highlighted the behind-the-scenes benefits, with funding enabling essential cataloguing and conservation work to protect the collection for future generations.

The project has also strengthened community connections, with new partnerships and plans for a Community Cabinet initiative inviting local groups to help shape future displays.

Housed in a historic Cotswold stone building once home to local builder Malachi Bartlett, the museum remains a treasure trove of Witney’s past and present.

The museum is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm until October.

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