Tuesday 8 July 2014

Focus Consultants wins contract for new national museum

Focus Consultants has been appointed to project manage the creation of a new museum dedicated to the illustrator William Heath Robinson and his work.
A new national centre is planned for the understanding and appreciation of the work of the artist, who was well known for his humorous drawings which featured in publications such as The Tatler and The Sketch, as well as illustrations for the likes of works by Kipling and Shakespeare, and his own children’s stories. 
The William Heath Robinson Trust has partnered with colleagues at The West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust in Pinner, North West London, to create a new museum to provide a permanent, secure home for its nationally significant collection of Heath Robinson’s work, as well as creating new opportunities for the public to explore the output of one of the country’s best loved artists. 
It is the latest museums appointment for Focus, which has its headquarters at Phoenix Business Park, Nottingham, and offices in London, Leicester, Boston and Aubourn near Lincoln. 
“Focus Consultants has significant experience of working with museums and collections across the country, and we are looking forward to being part of the team that creates a new museum dedicated to William Heath Robinson and his work,” said James Peake, project manager at Focus Consultants. 
Focus, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary during 2014, will be working with architects ZMMA to project manage the delivery stage of the project, resulting in the construction of the museum. It is intended that tender documentation will be issued in November and a building contract awarded early next year. Bright White has been appointed as exhibition/interpretation designers. 
Trust Chairman, Martin Verden said: “These latest appointments follow the earlier selection of London-based ZMMA as architects and are further evidence that the museum is about to become a reality. Together with this team of experts we will be able to move on to the next phase of this exciting project.” 
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) awarded the project £1.13m in December 2013 to build a new museum. This was subject to The West House and Heath Robinson Museum Trust raising a further £430,000 in partnership funding, of which £290,000 is already secured. 
Focus offers a range of services in the construction and development sector, including funding and economic development, regeneration expertise, energy consultancy and chartered surveying services. 
Since its creation in 1994, Focus has helped to secure more than £925 million of grant assistance for a range of projects and businesses across the UK and delivered more than £1.0 billion worth of projects and programmes – making it one of the most successful businesses of its kind in the country. 
It has worked on a range of high-profile projects in the arts, heritage and tourism sector, including some of the major museums across the UK, and important historical and ecclesiastical sites.

For more information visit www.focus-consultants.co.uk

Press release issued by Nottingham PR agency Perfect 10 PR www.perfect10pr.co.uk