Bath Postal Museum Shuts Doors After Founder’s Death, Artefacts to be Passed to Other Museums
The Bath Postal Museum, which has been a beloved attraction for over four decades, has announced its closure following the passing of its founder, Audrey Swindells MBE. Mrs. Swindells, who co-founded the museum with her husband Harold in 1979, sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 95. This news comes as a great loss to the community as the museum was a treasured gem that showcased the rich postal history of Bath.
Located in the basement of the old post office, the Bath Postal Museum has been a source of education and wonder for countless visitors. Its collection is diverse and impressive, boasting a wide range of artefacts that shed light on the integral role Bath played in the development of the postal service. Notable pieces include the largest collection of salvaged mail collected by Bath Mayor and postmaster Ralph Allen, a cross-written letter by the renowned novelist Jane Austen, and a fascinating wall of in-wall postboxes.
In light of the closure, the Bath and North East Somerset Council, which owns the premises, has stepped in to assist. They have provided support to cover the museum’s rent from November and are actively working to find a suitable space where the collection can be stored while the process of transferring it to other museums is underway. This ensures that the historical artefacts will remain accessible to the public.
The passing of Audrey Swindells and the subsequent closure of the Bath Postal Museum marks the end of an era. Through their dedication and passion, Audrey and Harold Swindells brought to life the fascinating story of Bath’s postal heritage, delighting visitors from around the world. It is a testament to their hard work and vision that the collection will continue to find a new home in other museums where it can be appreciated and enjoyed by future generations.
Bath has been a pivotal city in shaping the postal service, with notable contributions such as the revolutionary postal carriages designed by Bath Mayor and MP John Palmer in the 1780s. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the city where the first British stamp was mailed, franked on May 2, 1840. These historical milestones reflect Bath’s significant role in the advancement of postal communication.
While it is saddening to bid farewell to the Bath Postal Museum, the future remains hopeful as plans are made to preserve and share its valuable collection. The artefacts will find new homes, ensuring that their stories continue to be told to audiences near and far. Bath and its residents will always cherish the memories and legacy of the museum, and its impact on the appreciation of postal history within the community will endure.
As we say goodbye to the Bath Postal Museum, we are reminded of the tremendous value of preserving our cultural heritage. The closure serves as a poignant reminder to support and visit local museums, as they play a crucial role in keeping history alive and inspiring generations to come.
