Dorset museum undergoes restructuring due to overspend

A museum in a former Dorset courthouse has been through an “organisational restructure” due to financial difficulties.

Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester, which opened in 2018 and describes itself as a “historic courthouse museum”, is operated by the charitable Shire Hall Trust.

The restructuring, which is thought to have resulted in at least one redundancy, was prompted by an overspend which saw outgoings of £411,414 against incomings of just £363,552.

Dr Rose Wallis, chair of the Shire Hall Trust, said: “We have recently undertaken an organisational restructure to ensure Shire Hall museum’s continued sustainability and resilience in what are incredibly trying times for the whole arts and heritage sector.

“We are reviewing our business strategy, and working hard as an organisation with our key partners and stakeholders to ensure Shire Hall Museum continues as a significant public heritage centre in Dorchester, and as a community asset.”

Trustee Ian Gosling added: “We are working actively on measures to ensure the museum’s future, which is an ongoing project.

“We’re cautiously optimistic about the state of the museum, and have taken measures to reduce costs where possible.”

The museum includes interactive galleries, cells and a courtroom, and is home to the former crown court where the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs took place in 1834.