Lloyd George Museum reopens following investment

The Museum dedicated to the life and times of former UK Prime Minister David Lloyd George has recently reopened to the public following extensive redevelopment work.

The attraction in Llanystumdwy has benefitted from a £280,000 makeover, thanks to £250,000 funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), Cyngor Gwynedd and the Countess Lloyd George Fund.

As part of the project, Museum designers Mather & Co were commissioned to modernise the displays and integrate the artifacts with the story.

It is hoped that the new-look Museum will allow visitors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Lloyd George and the context of his lifetime. The thematic approach to the stories and objects presented will allow for fresh insights into Lloyd George’s life, exploring both the positive and negative aspects of his character and decisions and their legacy.

The Museum features four thematic zones: The Politician, The People, The Man, and The Legacy.

• ‘The Politician’ follows a chronological storyline that presets key moments from Lloyd George’s early career in Parliament, his significant roles during the First World War, and the later stages of his political life.
• ‘The People’ explores how the press portrays political figures and their decisions, shaping public opinion.
• ‘The Man’ unfolds through two subthemes across different sections of the Museum: Early Life and Family Life.
• ‘The Legacy’ explores the impact of Lloyd George's political actions and decisions, alongside his international recognition.

Key objects for visitors to look out for include Lloyd George’s draft copy of the Treaty of Versailles, the first copy of the People’s Budget from 1909, Chancellor of the Exchequer uniform worn by Lloyd George, and the many freedom casks gifted to him by cities and towns from Wales, England and Scotland.

Megan Cynan Corcoran, Museums Development Officer for Cyngor Gwynedd said:

“It has been both a pleasure and a responsibility to redevelop the Museum's displays. Over the years, new displays and display cabinets had been added, but many cases from the original 1960s Museum remained.

“With this investment, we are able to present historical facts alongside supporting artifacts in a thoughtful manner. This marks only the beginning of our ongoing effort to narrate the life and times of David Lloyd George and the legacies he left behind.”

Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said:

“I’m delighted that the Lloyd George Museum has reopened its doors ready for the summer season. Lloyd George remains a significant and controversial figure in Welsh, British and World history and it all started at the Highgate cottage.

“I am delighted that the Museum continues to attract visitors from near and far. We now offer a contemporary experience with engaging graphics and immersive audiovisual activities, encouraging reflection on Lloyd George's significant decisions and their lasting legacies."

The design of the Museum has carefully considered the building's architectural features, including its high ceilings and structural beams.

Hanna Lorenz, 3D Designer for Mather & Co said: “Working on the redevelopment of the Lloyd George Museum has been a profound privilege. Breathing new life into spaces that stand beside his childhood home and within sight of his final resting place is to connect past, present and future. It’s more than a Museum – it’s a living tribute to one of Britain’s most influential figures, rooted in the very landscape that shaped him.”

The Friends of the Museum are arranging an official opening for 26 June. 

Notes

• The Museum is run by Cyngor Gwynedd on behalf of the Lloyd George Museum Trust.
• The Museum is the only Museum dedicated to a former Prime Minister in the UK. Lloyd George still is the only Prime Minister of the UK to have spoken English as a second language.
• Mather & Co are known for their work on notable projects such as Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Silverstone Museum, Olympic Museum, Dover Castle, Inverness Castle, and many more.