Break-in at Horsham Museum leads to upgrade of historic exhibits

The museum and art gallery has unveiled a new display of Bronze Age artefacts – which was made possible thanks to public donations following a break-in at the museum last autumn.

Members of the local community donated to a GoFundMe page to support the museum following the break-in which caused significant damage to an historic window.

As a result, the museum was able to use some of this money to make much needed upgrades to its Fossils and Flints gallery, including improvements to some of the showcasing in the space.

The Bronze Age Hoard dates from 1,400 – 800 BC and includes axe heads, spearheads and two partial Sussex loops – rare bronze age artefacts which may have been used as jewellery, although their exact purpose is unknown.

The hoard was acquired with support from The Friends of Horsham Museum and some of the hoard’s finders also donated their artefacts.

The museum lacked a suitable showcase for these items, but the money raised following the break-in provided sufficient donations to adapt a showcase to display them.

Horsham District Council cabinet member for culture David Skipp said: “I am really pleased that we have been able to open this new showcase of Bronze Age artefacts for everybody to enjoy. The Bronze Age Hoard is a fascinating collection of artefacts, some of which are over 3,000 years old.

“We are grateful for the support and generosity of the local community, generous lenders and the Friends of Horsham Museum, who have enabled us to bring this exhibition to life.”

Chairman of the Friends of Horsham Museum Paul French added: “We have welcomed the generous community support which has enabled the Bronze Age hoard to go on display.”