8°C
From delving into the history of the Nettlefolds and stretching the legs around the garden, to browsing the shelves in the second-hand bookshop and buying gifts in the shop, no two visits to Winterbourne ever look the same.
We’re continually looking for ways to grow and evolve the visitor experience, and our latest developments have included the transformation of the Winterbourne Gift Shop.
The Gift Shop was relocated from reception to the site of the then Second-hand Bookshop to enable us to reopen during the pandemic. The bookshop in turn moved into the gallery exhibition space. This was all managed on a shoestring budget, with IKEA units and staff getting hands-on painting tables. But it proved a hit with visitors, as it gave more space to increase our ranges and made browsing easier by putting all the retail offer, plants, gifts and second-hand books, in the one area.
As regular visitors will have spotted, changes have once again been afoot during the past few months, with the main shop moving to a temporary home in the Old Kitchen while long overdue refurbishment works took place. Not a small undertaking, the move to the Old Kitchen involved a creative reimagining of what was once used by the Nettlefolds’ servants to cook for the family.
Our retail supervisor, Laura, reflects on the transformation: ‘With the aid of a rolling dolly and two bungees, we moved the shelving system from the shop to the Old Kitchen. The space looked huge until everything went in. The kitchen dresser on the back wall was a godsend for displaying the homeware items, and we displayed as many of our ever-popular cards as we possibly could.
‘Our shop volunteers have all met the challenge of being in a new space with enthusiasm and are helping to communicate the new plans to visitors.’
Work in the shop has included some significant repairs to the building, including installation of a new floor and damp-proofing, a new ceiling and greener heating. We are also installing new bespoke retail units to enable us to better display our products and enhance the visitor experience.
With a whole new look and feel, and shelves stocked with more beautiful and distinct products than ever before, the newly refurbished shop is now open for you to enjoy – in perfect time for your Christmas shopping.
To help you get started, we’re once again taking part in Museum Shop Sunday. Visit us on 1 December and treat yourself to 10% off all purchases over £25. By shopping with us, you’re directly supporting the running and continual development of Winterbourne, as well as the independent local suppliers and artists we stock. This offer applies to purchases in the Gift Shop only and does not include the purchase of admission tickets. Please note that this cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts.