Museum which postponed Bournemouth Jewish life exhibition confirms new 2026 date
The Russell-Cotes Museum had paused an event scheduled for this November, citing sensitivity of timing
A Bournemouth museum which had faced queries regarding its postponement of an exhibition on Jewish life in the town has confirmed a new date for the event next year, with the president of the Board of Deputies applauding the venue for its “right decision”.
The Russell-Cotes Museum, which was due to hold an exhibition this November on Jewish life in the area between 1880 and 2020, announced the withdrawal of the event a few weeks ago.
Speaking to Jewish News at the time, a spokesperson for the museum in the seaside resort of East Cliff said: “The exhibition has not been cancelled. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is an important heritage asset housing culturally significant art.
“In planning all exhibitions, we carefully assess any potential risks. We recognise this is a sensitive time and due to requirements related to this event, the museum has decided to postpone the exhibition and is working with the organisers to reschedule it for a later date.”
The decision was not well-received by many in the Jewish community, particularly as it came after antisemitic incidents in the town – a swastika was daubed on a Rabbi’s house, while a Jewish young man was shot in the head with an air rifle.
The announcement by the museum of a specific new date for the exhibition came as Board President Phil Rosenberg visited the town in solidarity after the antisemitic incidents, and the original announcement of the postponement of the event.
Commenting on his visit, Rosenberg said: “Like Jewish communities across the UK, Bournemouth’s local Jewish population has been through a tough time of late. But on my visit I was struck by the community’s resilience, its proud history, and its dynamic plans for the future.
“The Russell-Cotes Museum has made the right decision in announcing that the exhibition on the Bournemouth Jewish community will go ahead next October. Cancelling Jewish culture out of fear of antisemitism is the wrong approach. Celebrating the contribution of our communities and reaching out to our friends and neighbours from different faiths and backgrounds is more important now than ever.”
Speaking today as members of the management committee of the museum, Councillors Andy Martin, Lawrence Williams and Lisa Northover said they were “delighted to confirm” that ‘Waves of Change: Jewish Life in Bournemouth, 1880- 2025’ will be held from October 2026 and stressed that the postponement was “not a decision made due to any external pressure.”
They added that BCP Council, the sole trustee of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, “recognises the huge part the Jewish community has played and continues to play in the history, heritage and culture of Bournemouth.”
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