1.3k sign petition to block 'disgrace' Bushey Museum move

Bushey Museum and Art Gallery has occupied a historic site in the heart of the village for more than three decades but could soon be forced out by freehold owner Hertsmere Borough Council.

More than 280 homes are planned for the scheme to redevelop the former Bushey County Club to the south of High Street, alongside a multi-storey carpark, café, library, and a community hub for the museum to relocate into.

Map showing how the Former Bushey Country Club development would look (Image: Hertsmere Borough Council/Griggs)

However, the latest documents show only a “white box” on a map with no indication it will have the necessary space or a suitable design.

Kelvin Graham, spokesperson for the museum publicity team, said: “It's absolutely a disgrace that they're going to put 19th century works and all the artefacts of the community all through the 1920s, the 30s, and through the war years there.

Bushey Museum and Art Gallery (Image: Newsquest)

“It would be totally inappropriate and out of place in a bog-standard template modernist white box.”

Mr Graham started the petition on behalf of the museum last week, attracting “brilliant” support and 1,000 signatories within three days.

“They’re steamrolling ahead, but no one knows what it looks like properly,” he added.

“We want to say to the council, look, listen to us. This interior is not going to be fit for purpose, either to show the work or the space.”

Visitor enjoying the museum (Image: Kelvin Graham)

At its current home, the former Bushey Urban District Council offices in Rudolf Road, the museum has been highly popular and was one of 12 winners of the Visit England Hidden Gem Accolade for 2024-2025.

It is home to the largest collection of public artworks in Hertfordshire, including work by 19th century portraitist and polymath Sir Hubert von Herkomer, as well as original black beauty illustrator Lucy Kemp-Welch.

• View the petition here: Change.org - STOP THE MOVE NOW

Signatories to the petition described the current location as a “lovely historic building” and said the museum “more than punches above its weight and adds significant value to the community”.

One of them, signed as Anne-Marie, said: “Moving to a faceless, modern building would strip away the very soul that makes our museum feel special, welcoming, and deeply connected to the community it serves.”

Inside the museum (Image: Newsquest)

Nigel added: “The museum has adapted to the building over the years and is in a perfect location.

“Uprooting the entire collection to a modern insufficient building will undo the work of decades and the community will lose a cultural heritage centre.”

A Hertsmere Borough Council spokesperson said it recognises the "important contribution" the museum makes and welcomes constructive engagement with the developing proposals.

They highlighted council support for the museum including more than £103,000 in direct and indirect support including grant funding, building maintenance, repairs, utilities, insurance and other services during 2025/26.

However, they said the 1909-built location - “like many historic buildings” - requires significant ongoing investment to maintain it.

The Herkomer exhibit is running until July (Image: Newsquest)

“Future costs are likely to include major repairs to the building, roof and windows, replacement of mechanical and electrical systems, wider lifecycle maintenance, and accessibility improvements,” they added.

“As part of the Bushey Country Club redevelopment proposals, the council is exploring the creation of a new community hub, including modern museum and gallery facilities.

“The aim is to provide accessible, sustainable accommodation that better protects the museum's collections while creating improved opportunities for exhibitions, education and public access.”

They said a purpose-designed museum would provide climate-controlled storage and display facilities to meet modern standards, with the council budgeting “significant financial resources to support any future relocation”.

The statement added: “No final design for museum accommodation has been approved and no final decision has been made.

Participants  and contributors standing in front of the recent community art project entitled "Our Bushey". (Image: Kelvin Graham)

“We recognise the strength of feeling about the museum's future and will continue to engage with stakeholders as proposals are developed.

“The council remains committed to ensuring Bushey Museum and Art Gallery has a sustainable future that protects its collections and enables residents and visitors to enjoy Bushey's rich cultural heritage for generations to come.”