Hestercombe House and Gardens in Taunton has been awarded full museum accreditation.
The historically significant site, home to over 3000 objects related to its past owners and designers, had its status recognised by Arts Council England.
Gaining accreditation signifies that Hestercombe is properly managed to national standards, enabling it to secure the future of its collections while sharing them with the public.
Tim Martin, creative director at Hestercombe Gardens Trust said: "We’re thrilled that Hestercombe Gardens has been awarded museum accreditation status.
"Thank you to the Arts Council England for recognising and awarding us with this accolade.
"Hestercombe House and Gardens has a rich and diverse history – the first record of the estate is from an Anglo-Saxon charter of 682.
"We can’t wait to share more of our history with visitors and the local community."
Notably, as well as validating the trustworthiness of a museum, accreditation opens up multiple opportunities for funding, unique exhibitions, and access to professional advice.
Potential sponsors and donors can also have confidence in supporting a museum with this status.
The scheme covers a wide range of institutions - from small volunteer-run establishments to national museums, with over 1,700 museums currently participating across the UK.
Hestercombe, centred around four important period gardens, hosts an acclaimed contemporary art gallery.
Its collection is dedicated to preserving objects connected to the estate's past and its well-known landscape designers, such as Sir Edwin Lutyens and Gertrude Jekyll, and the Georgian owner, artist, and designer, Coplestone Warre Bampfylde.
The director museums and cultural property at Arts Council England, Emmie Kell, said: "We’re delighted that Hestercombe Gardens has been successful in gaining their Accreditation status.
"This means that their Collections will be looked after and maintained offering inspiration, enjoyment and learning for the local community and visitors to enjoy now and in the future."
With its new accreditation, Hestercombe House and Gardens is gearing up to continue its mission of preserving its historic collection, sharing its magnificent garden landscapes, and inspiring future generations.
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