BRIDPORT: Auction of promises to help keep museum entry free

The museum must raise some £2,000 on the night to ensure the South Street collection remains free for the coming season.

The catalogue for the auction has now been released, featuring a total of 50 goods, services and offers from around West Dorset.

Among the star lots are use of three holiday homes, one in Chamonix, one in Cornwall and one in London.

Other items include two paintings by artist Philomena Harmsworth, Dolphin watching and a table arrangement masterclass by Lavender Blue.

Curator Alice Martin said: “We’ve had an absolutely amazing response from everyone we asked.

“People have really understood how important the museum is to the cultural life of Bridport and have been very generous as a result.

“We now have to hope that enough people come along and get bidding so that we can raise the necessary money.

“We are already off to a great start after Denhay Farms gave us £300. But so many of the things that people have donated are the kind of items that normally money couldn’t buy.

“So it’s all up to our auctioneer Jim Rowe from estate agents Symonds and Sampson to make up the rest.

“If we can keep the museum free this year it’s hoped that we will be able to scrap admission charges for good.”

The museum saw visitor numbers soar after the decision to drop the £2.50 admission for the first time last year.

Anyone unable to make the night will still have a chance to take part by contacting the museum office on 01308 458703 and leaving a maximum bid.

Catalogues, which are free, can be picked up from Bridport Arts Centre and Bridport Record Centre.

People will be able to follow the auction live on Twitter from 7:30pm on Friday.

Doors open at 7pm and the auction commences at 7.30pm. Entry is £2.

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