Beard helps support the transformation of the Ashmolean

 ‘Oxford at Night: An exhibition of photographs by Norman McBeath’ was the first exhibition that Beard supported at The Ashmolean Museum in 2006. The partnership was a perfect match considering that Beard had cleaned and restored several buildings captured in McBeath's photographs including the Ashmolean Museum.

Beard strongly believes in supporting valued customers and this year is sponsoring the renovation of the stela, a limestone monument which was donated to the Museum by John Ruskin more than 150 years ago.  The monument is a grave marker and dates from 200BC. It originates from Hellenistic and Roman Cyprus, and has been carved in the Greek tradition. 

Beard's contribution will enable conservators to repair and clean the monument so that it is ready for display in the new Cyprus sculpture gallery due to open in 2009. The gallery is part of the £61 million project to transform the Museum, creating 39 new galleries and 100% more display space. 
Climate controlled conditions will enable the most rare and fragile items
to go on display.

Most of the funding to date has come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, individuals and trusts.  Theresa Nicolson, Corporate Fundraiser said:

"It is great to have Beard on board, especially as the company has carried out extensive cleaning and restoration work at the Ashmolean and many other listed buildings in Oxford. Beard's contribution encourages other companies to support the museum. Traditionally most of our sponsors have been large corporate firms, it is therefore very refreshing to have a contractor supporting us who is as passionate about preserving the past as we are."

The Ashmolean is a world-class museum and an integral part of the University of Oxford. It provides an important academic and research function within the University. Communicating and positioning the Museum's raison d'etre and values to its target audiences is one of the challenges it is addressing through a re-branding programme, which is running in parallel with the new development.
Mark Beard has supported Edith Prak, the Museum's Deputy Director (Education and Outreach), by sharing his experience of Beard's
re-branding programme, which was implemented in 2005. Mark emphasised how important it was to engage Beard employees during the re-branding process to encourage buy-in and ensure that the Company's values are delivered on the ground.

"I am very grateful to Mark for his moral support.  His insight into re-branding has been very useful and I look forward to calling upon his experience again as the programme progresses." Edith Prak, Director of Development, The Ashmolean Museum.

Beard is hosting a Champagne Reception in the Randolph Sculpture Gallery on the 7th November 2007 when guests will be able to observe the different approaches to stone conservation from Victorian times to the present day.  Mark Norman, Head of Conservation, will be speaking at the event and will be available to answer questions about the statues on display.

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