The Duke of Gloucester Visits Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro

First Royal Visit Since Reopening

Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery in Truro welcomed a special guest on Friday 11th July, as HRH The Duke of Gloucester became the first member of the Royal Family to visit since the museum reopened in March.

The Duke, a cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and a full-time working Royal, was warmly received by Co-Directors Jonathan Morton and Bryony Robins, along with Chair of Trustees Julie Caplin Grey.

Tour of New Galleries

During his visit, the Duke met with local council representatives and Truro and Falmouth MP Jayne Kirkham before being guided through the newly transformed Mineral, Nature and Art Galleries. These updated spaces showcase the museum’s extensive collections in fresh and accessible ways.

He also toured the Heart of Cornwall Gallery, a central space dedicated to key figures, objects and places from Cornish history.

Bryony said:

“In transforming the galleries we’ve prioritised making our collections accessible to all, creating engaging and immersive displays, and involving our communities. The reintroduction of an art gallery showcasing the permanent collection has also been a much-welcomed improvement.”

Positive Response from the Duke

Jonathan said the Duke’s comments throughout the visit were encouraging:

“He was particularly impressed with the work of the designers, Wignall and Moore, to uncover the building’s beautiful original architecture, and how Cornwall’s rich history has been brought to life in fresh new ways.”

The Duke also took time to view a new exhibition, Exploring Time: A Painter’s Perspective by Tony Foster, where the artist and explorer himself guided him through a collection of watercolour diaries capturing remote wild locations around the world.

A Moment in History

The tour concluded with refreshments in the Courtney Library, which houses the Royal Institution of Cornwall’s rich collection of manuscripts, books and archives.

Before departing, the Duke signed the museum’s Visitor’s Book and helped bury a time capsule in the new museum garden. The moment marks a symbolic step in the museum’s ongoing transformation, which aims to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for the institution, first opened in 1919 and run without regular government funding.

Julie said:

“We’re extremely honoured by the visit of The Duke of Gloucester today. He showed huge interest in our efforts to modernise the museum and present Cornish history, art, nature and culture afresh. We’d encourage everyone visiting Cornwall this summer to follow in his footsteps!”

You can find out more about the museum and upcoming exhibitions at: https://cornwallmuseum.org/