Swindon has played host to some of the biggest names in music history, from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles and The Who. Now, Museum & Art Swindon are on a mission to immortalise the town’s vibrant music scene by curating a new permanent collection dedicated to its musical heritage.
As preparations are underway for the grand opening of Museum & Art Swindon at the Civic Offices, curators are eager to assemble a diverse array of memorabilia that showcases Swindon’s rich musical culture. Over the past six months, volunteers involved in the museum’s Unlocking Collections project, funded by Arts Council England, have delved deep into the archives to uncover hidden gems related to the town’s theaters and event venues.
However, while the collection boasts a wealth of objects documenting Swindon’s theatrical history, there’s a noticeable gap when it comes to music venues and performers. That’s where the community comes in.
Museum & Art Swindon is reaching out to residents who may have memorabilia from iconic music venues like McIlroys Ballroom, The Brunel Rooms, Locarno, or the Oasis, where legendary acts graced the stage.
John Wood, Swindon Museums’ Collections and Exhibitions’ Manager, said: “I’m not surprised that we’ve found this gap.
“Our collection grows through donations, and people may not have considered these things to be important. For us, however, they are a significant part of the history of the town which we’re really keen to represent.
“The objects don’t have to be old either, we’ll happily consider material from 1945 right up to the present day. Any items we accept into the collections will be preserved for the future and add to the stories we can tell.”
Whether it’s old ticket stubs, concert programs, t-shirts, or posters, Museum & Art Swindon is eager to hear from anyone willing to contribute to this initiative.
Every item donated will help create a comprehensive record of Swindon’s musical legacy for generations to come.
Anyone who is interested in donating items to the museum can contact the Museum & Art Swindon team by emailing MASCuratorial@swindon.gov.uk with details of the objects available for donation, along with pictures.
