Cardinal Wolsey’s Angels have proved to be a big attraction since his special exhibition opened at Ipswich’s Christchurch Mansion last year.
The exhibition, put on thanks to the V&A museum in London, which lent Ipswich the prized angels designed for the great man’s tomb, has seen 5,000 visitors through the doors so far.
Now, museum bosses have decided to extend the exhibition until 22nd April, so, if you haven’t seen the angels yet, you still can!
The other major exhibition currently on at the Ipswich Art Gallery is You Are Here! The Making of Ipswich. Exploring the development of England’s oldest Anglo-Saxon town into a culturally diverse regional centre, this story runs until 15th April.
The town’s museums have reported a big rise in visitor numbers over last summer – and that was before the Thomas Wolsey: Ipswich’s Greatest Son exhibition even arrived.
Last year, between April and September, more than 53,000 visited the Museum and Art Gallery in High Street and Christchurch Mansion. Of those, nearly half, 25,700, went to the Mansion. In 2016, the figure was 48,000 for the same period.
Schoolchildren visitors rocketed during those six months last year – up to 758, compared with 428 in 2016.
Councillor Carole Jones, the Borough Council’s museums service portfolio-holder, said: “We are putting on lots of many different activities and events, and increasing opportunities for schoolchildren and youngsters to attend a range of workshops in the holidays. We are also getting better at telling people about everything we have on show. Our museums are very special and they are free to visit, so come along and see Ipswich’s treasures for yourselves.”
Cllr Carole Jones, 07824 430158
Cllr Ian Fisher, opposition Conservative Group leader, tel: 01473 410124
Cllr Inga Lockington, opposition Liberal Democrat Group Leader, tel: 01473 213444
