In 2013 the museum extended into the adjoining cottage and acquired a ground level access leading from the Guildhall Square. Since that time the museum has received 7,000 plus visitors annually.
Our visitor surveys confirm that the majority of visitors come into the museum as the result of seeing our signs when passing; therefore improving our external signage became a priority in our business plan.
The Museum Trust were adamant that our main sign should be located above the entrance since it needed to be visible above the level of any parked vehicles in the Guildhall car park. Approval for a sign took two years of negotiation with the local authorities, and since it is fixed to a listed building it also required a Listed Building Consent.
In early November 2015, a permanent sign was fixed above the main entrance. The stainless steel sign was supplied and installed by Parc Signs, St Austell. It was the subject of our successful application, for a grant of £750 to the Small Grant Big Improvement scheme, part of the South West Development Programme, funded by Arts Council England. Other costs were covered by the museum’s own fundraising.
Roderick Martin, Museum Secretary, stated that the Trust is very pleased with the new sign, and optimistic that it will help to increase our visitor numbers and raise local awareness of the museum.