Beckford’s Tower and Museum is set to officially reopen on June 29 following an extensive £3.9 million refurbishment.

The project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other public and private sources, began in October 2022. It includes essential repairs, a complete reimagining of the museum, the installation of renewable energy sources, and the excavation of a hidden 19th-century grotto, now accessible to the public for the first time.

Visitors can now explore new displays showcasing pieces from William Beckford’s diverse collections. These include unique furniture such as an oak coffer cabinet commissioned by Beckford, silver objects including more than 30 teaspoons bearing the Beckford family crest, and fine art, including a Willes Maddox painting commissioned by Beckford's daughter after his death.

The new exhibitions at Beckford’s Tower present the story of William Beckford’s life and legacy. Beckford’s wealth, derived from his ownership of Jamaican sugar plantations and involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, enabled him to collect art and commission buildings and landscapes. The exhibitions address themes of wealth, power, exploitation, and abuse, developed through community consultation to include diverse voices.

Patrizia Ribul, director of museums at Bath Preservation Trust and the lead for the Our Towe” project, said: “We are so excited to welcome people back to Beckford’s Tower and to show them the culmination of the last three years’ work. The grotto in particular forms a really intriguing part of the visitor experience, expanding the visitor route far beyond the previous climb up the tower; we really look forward to seeing visitors’ reactions.”

Amy Frost, Senior Curator at Bath Preservation Trust said: “William Beckford’s obsession with collecting objects and building towers was funded by his involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. This means that the creation of Beckford’s Tower and the collection within it was all underpinned by the exploitation and suffering of thousands of enslaved people.

“Collaborating with our local communities and advisors we have worked together to create an expansive, interesting and inclusive experience; this tower used to be a space reserved only for one privileged man, now we want everyone to feel welcome here.”

The museum is open weekends and bank holiday Mondays; 10.30am-4pm, from June 29 to October 31, and then November 1 - December 15, open at weekends, 10.30am-3pm. Tickets cost £7 and include free return visits for 12 months.

Tickets to Beckford’s Tower and Museum are available to purchase from the website: https://beckfordstower.org.uk/.