Two projects aimed at making Swansea University’s collections more accessible and entertaining for staff, students and the community have secured a £350,000 boost.
The University’s Richard Burton Archives and Egypt Centre are among 31 projects across Wales that have received a share of £5.2 million from the Welsh Government.
The award-winning Egypt Centre has received £199,945 to complete the physical, digital, and security transformation of the House of Death gallery. Previous investment from Welsh Government, the Wolfson Trust, and the Garfield Weston Foundation, has meant extensive renovation has already been carried out. This includes the installation of a spectacular vaulted ceiling which celebrates staff, volunteers and centre supporters in hieroglyphs. The latest funding will pay for the final phase of the gallery’s redevelopment:
- Additional new conservation-grade display cases;
- The installation of immersive technology within the mummification room; and,
- The implementation of additional security measures.
Meanwhile the Richard Burton Archives have secured £150,649 which will be used to create a dedicated exhibition space near to the entrance of the University’s Singleton Park Library. This will feature new display cases and digitally blended projection technology to showcase collections primarily held in the Richard Burton Archives. It will also be used to present material held in the University’s other special library and museum collections such as the South Wales Miners’ Library and Rare Book collections.
Swansea University’s Head of Library and Collection Engagement and Curation Siân Williams said: “We are delighted to have secured two such significant awards. Together they will allow us to make even more of our Cultural Collections accessible, engaging, and relevant to all members of the University and wider communities, including those who currently have limited opportunities to interact with cultural heritage.”
Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport Heledd Fychan said: “Museums, libraries and archives are at the heart of our communities across Wales. These are places where people connect with our culture and history, where children discover a love of reading, and where older people share their memories. They are places everyone should feel welcome. This investment will make a real difference, protecting vital collections, improving access and ensuring our cultural spaces are fit for the future.”
