07/05/2026
Blake Museum awarded Museum Accreditation in its centenary year
Blake Museum is celebrating a major milestone in 2026, marking 100 years of preserving and sharing Bridgwater’s rich heritage, while also receiving national recognition through the prestigious Museum Accreditation Scheme.
Located in Bridgwater, Blake Museum tells the story of the town and its surrounding area, bringing to life its industrial past, maritime history and cultural identity. Through engaging exhibitions, community events, and educational programmes, the museum welcomes local residents, schools, visitors, and researchers of all ages, inspiring a deeper connection to Somerset’s history.
Administered by Arts Council England on behalf of the UK Accreditation Partnership, Accreditation is the benchmark for well-run museums and galleries.
It means that Blake Museum is properly managed and governed to the nationally agreed industry standard and demonstrates the museum’s commitment to caring for its collections, sharing them with visitors, and safeguarding them for future generations.
Accreditation opens up exciting funding opportunities, allows museums to host touring exhibitions, and provides access to professional advice and support. It also gives confidence to donors and sponsors who wish to support the museum in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.
Accreditation covers museums of all types and sizes, from the smallest volunteer-run museums to national institutions, and more than 1,700 museums are currently part of the scheme across the UK.
More information about the Accreditation scheme can be found on the Arts Council England website.
Cllr Liz Leavy, Chair of Blake Museum Steering Group said, "This is a fantastic achievement for Blake Museum, especially as it celebrates its 100th year. The Accreditation recognises the vital role the museum plays in preserving Bridgwater’s heritage and providing a valuable cultural resource for residents and visitors alike. We are incredibly proud to support such an important community asset.
“We are also very grateful to our Curator, Mike Searle and to all our dedicated volunteers for their hard work and commitment. A special thank you goes to Rachel Bellamy, Somerset Museum Development Officer, for her invaluable support.”
Reflecting on the milestone, Curator Mike Searle commented, "Achieving Accreditation in our centenary year is particularly special. It reflects the hard work and commitment of our volunteers."
Stewart Richards, Chair of the Friends of Blake Museum added, "This recognition highlights the strength of the community that supports the museum, from its volunteers to its supporters. As the Friends, we are delighted to help ensure the museum continues to thrive, building on this achievement as it enters its next century."
Emmie Kell, Director, Museums and Cultural Property at Arts Council England said, "We’re delighted that Blake Museum has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status. This means that their collections will be looked after and maintained, offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future."
