Museum plan seeks backing

The Oxfordshire County Museum is to apply for National Lottery cash to implement the findings of a study carried out by Giles Velarde.

The museum, housed in the listed Fletcher’s House near the main entrance to Blenheim Palace, has finalised concepts by architect WS Atkins for a new shop and café and is considering refurbishment plans.

The study recommends replacing six existing displays and “providing both hands-on and computer-accessed information, along with displays of Oxfordshire geology, archaeology, environmental and social history”, says Velarde.

A museum spokeswoman says: “While it is possible that Giles will be appointed to implement the recommendations, we won’t be sure until we get the go-ahead from the Lottery people. But we are using his study as a basis for the application work.”