two VIPs from Arts Council England visited Haslemere Education Museum.

John Orna-Ornstein, director of museums, and Matthew Bowcock, a trustee of Arts Council England came to learn more about the High Street museum and its accomplishments, as well as provide advice and updates on the latest developments.

Arts Council England is the government-funded body responsible for supporting and developing museums. The museum has full accreditation under its scheme, which sets out nationally-agreed standards for museums, defines good practice and is a quality standard.

Haslemere is one of the oldest and most renowned independent museums in the country.

Described as a mini-British Museum, it is a rich source of local, national and international heritage with wonderful and diverse collections covering human history, natural history and geology.

In 2013, the museum celebrated its 125th anniversary and since its inception has pioneered innovative ideas on both education and good practice. It has also won a number of prestigious national awards including The Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award, the Museums + Heritage Awards for Excellence, Nation’s Favourite Museum, and Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. 

The visitors were given a guided tour including a behind-the-scenes visit to the collections storeroom as well as the chance to meet its famous mascot Arthur the Bear.  

They were also shown the unique European Peasant Art Collection, for which the museum intends to apply to the Arts Council scheme, which awards “designated status” to museum, library and archive collections in recognition of their national and international importance.  

Museum chairman Melanie Odell said: “We were delighted and honoured to host a high profile visit from Arts Council England, We are very much looking forward to developing further links and building upon our successes in the future.”