Michael Rosen to Champion Roman Baths Art Fund Prize campaign
Michael Rosen to champion Roman Baths Art Fund Prize
campaign
image © Laurence Cendrowicz
2007
Celebrated poet, author and recent
children’s laureate Michael Rosen has agreed to champion the Roman
Baths campaign to win this year’s Art Fund Prize.
Michael Rosen said, ‘A good museum is like
a good book. It holds your attention and is a pleasure to ‘read’.
The Roman Baths does just this. The recent Development has
transformed the presentation of the site making it more engaging
and accessible for people of all ages, but it has also put a lot of
thought and care into the long term conservation of the
archaeological remains to safeguard them for the future. I am
pleased to be able to offer what support I can to the museum’s
campaign.’
Stephen Clews, Manager of the Bath &
North East Somerset Council run Roman Baths said: "Michael is a
great communicator and a natural campaigner, regarded by many as a
national treasure, and we are delighted that he is lending his
voice to champion this campaign.
"Michael already presents the children’s
audio tour at the Roman Baths which is incredibly popular with
younger visitors, and many adults choose to listen to it too.
"As part of his backing for the campaign
Michael will be making several appearances in Bath and will join
the Council team to meet the judges when they visit in April."
The Council-run Roman Baths has been long
listed for the £100,000 Art Fund Prize, generally regarded as the
most prestigious award in the museum world, following its five year
Development programme. It will soon be inspected by a panel of
judges led by broadcaster and former politician Michael
Portillo.
Cllr Terry Gazzard, Cabinet Member for
Development and Major Projects said: "It is a great boost to our
campaign to learn that Michael Rosen is able to devote time to
support the Roman Baths in this way. Michael has always been a
passionate supporter of good causes and this is one that’s
certainly worth fighting for.’
To show your support for the Roman Baths go
to http://artfundprize.org.uk/2011/vote/
where you can take part in an online poll.
Contact details:
For images mailto:maggie_bone@bathnes.gov.uk
For more information about the Art Fund
Prize http://www.artfundprize.org.uk
For more information about Michael Rosen
http://www.michaelrosen.co.uk