2007 Sponsored Projects

The Henley Drum
funded by Mr Tobin Prior, Henley 100 Club member, £1,500
This wonderful, painted drum was made in 1903 and served the Henley Town Band throughout its 95-year history. Recently found in a church attic, it was donated to the Museum where it has now been restored and put on permanent display in the Invesco Perpetual Henley Gallery.

Contemporary Art Commission – Chris Gollon
funded by Beefeater Gin (Chivas Brothers), £4000 and American Friends, £4,000
The Museum has commissioned this acclaimed artist to produce a painting inspired by the Henley Royal Regatta - this powerful piece will juxtapose the agony of the losing crew against the beauty of the festive surroundings. The artist is known for his representation of the human condition - a combination of realism with caricature creates a heightened form of reality. The commission will be an outstanding addition to the contemporary section of the Museum's art collection, relating to one of our central themes as well as becoming part of the nation's sporting heritage.

In the Cox's Seat - Touring Experience Version
funded by HRR Stewards’ Charitable Trust, £15,000
This exhibit is a virtual reality interactive that allows users to experience a race at Henley Royal Regatta in 360° panoramic vision. It is the most popular and well-used facility in the recently refurbished Schwarzenbach International Rowing Gallery at the River & Rowing Museum. A touring version is underway which will bring to life this fantastic rowing experience across the country in venues including schools and rowing clubs.

Dr Plot's History of Henley
funded by Stuart Turner Ltd, £7,500
This key exhibit within the Invesco Perpetual Henley Gallery plays a major part in our visitors' enjoyment and understanding of the history of Henley. It has now been brought up to date with a comprehensive re-edit and has been re-recorded and re-presented on widescreen TV with a viewer seating area.

Shottesbrooke Log Boat
funded by The Pilgrim Trust £5,000, The Manifold Trust £3,500 & Christopher Rodrigues £5,000
This medieval log boat was excavated in 2003 on the Shottesbrooke Estate in Berkshire and donated to the Museum by Sir John Smith. The log boat was recovered almost completely intact and dated to 1030 AD using Carbon-14 dating at Oxford University. It is now on permanent display in our Thames Gallery.

Inspired by Rowing
funded by HRR Stewards' Charitable Trust, £15,000 per annum 2006 - 2008
A range of materials is in development for use in schools and rowing clubs throughout the country. In close co-operation with the schools, clubs and Amateur Rowing Association staff, the project employs a part-time teacher experienced in the sport (in this instance a high-level rower) to develop these educational resources. Topics include The Make-Up of an Olympian, London 2012 and International Rowing.

Marking Olympic Success
funded by South Oxfordshire District Council, £5,000 per annum 2006 - 2008
This project involves the distribution and dissemination of the educational resources being developed in Inspired by Rowing, including the identification and trial of target pilot groups and the ideal formats to get the most out of information and handling sessions.