Bring Marconi archives back to town (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Bring Marconi archives back to town

7:00am Friday 5th February 2010

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A CALL has been made for more of Chelmsford’s Marconi archives to be displayed in the town’s expanded museum.

It follows the opening of the new extension to the Chelmsford Musuem in Oaklands Park.

One floor has been devoted to a display of Chelmsford’s industrial heritage and its pioneers, including some pieces relating to Marconi, Chelmsford’s most famous son, that have been donated by a museum in Oxford.

Now, following the revelation that only about ten per cent of the archives are on display, a move has been made to get more.

Robin Stevens (Lib Dem, The Lawns) asked at a cabinet meeting of Chelmsford Council if there were “aspirations” to return the archives to their rightful home.

Christopher Kingsley, cabinet member for parks and heritage, said the archives had a “difficult” history. He added: “They were spirited away from Chelmsford.

“We are in discussions with Oxford, but they are reluctant to give us anything more until we prove the building is secure, properly looked after and curated.”

Mr Kingsley said the museum in Oxford should not “unreasonably reject our request”.

“It is a long process. We are doing our best to get what we can.”

He also revealed future plans for the museum included a further extension which would house a Marconi gallery.

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