The Foundation of the River & Rowing Museum, in Henley-on-Thames, has said it will close its doors to the public for the last time on September 21, resulting in almost immediate job losses and the loss of a vital educational resource.
The venue’s struggle to achieve financial sustainability is well-known. A statement from the foundation said that with an endowment depleted by essential building works and significant increases in the cost of operation, recent net losses have averaged £1 million a year. Existing bookings for school visits and event space in September will be honoured. Patrons and annual pass-holders will be contacted.
Chair of Trustees David Worthington said: “The quality of the original concept cannot be underestimated, however, ultimately the venture was just too ambitious.
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“I want to give thanks and pay tribute to the thousands of hours of commitment, heavy-lifting and simple belief that have come from the leadership, employees and the volunteers, from patrons, members, sponsors, trustees and more.
“Everyone has tried to make it work – and on one level we have. It has been a great museum, but in the end the financial challenge was simply too great.”
The museum houses a collection of more than 13,000 items, for which new homes are being sought. The final weekend of opening is September 20/21, coinciding with this year’s Heritage Open Days festival, and visitors are being urged to celebrate the end of a long and happy era with the team. Admission will be free.
