• TAG-A-TILE
  • TAG-A-TILE

A fundraising campaign, TAG-A-TILE, has been launched by charity Hampshire Cultural Trust (HCT)  to support the transformation of Gosport’s Old Grammar School into the Gosport Museum and Art Gallery. The TAG-A-TILE campaign invites people to personalise a clay tile with 16 characters of their choice, making their mark on history when the tile is positioned in the new outdoor courtyard as part of the building’s renovation in spring 2022.

With the support and funding from Arts Council England, Hampshire County Council, the Gosport High Street Heritage Action Zone programme led by Historic England, Gosport Borough Council, investment by Hampshire Cultural Trust donations from individuals and groups, including the Friends of Gosport Museum, as well as individual donors from the TAG-A-TILE campaign, Gosport Gallery, which is operated by Hampshire Cultural Trust, will become one of the largest centres in Gosport where people can come together to enjoy great arts and culture.

The redevelopment of Gosport's Old Grammar School will see unused rooms converted to a new permanent museum documenting Gosport's history through the eyes of the local community. It will also see the expansion of the current play gallery, a new community gallery, a new café and retail area, the enhancement of existing learning rooms, the re-opening of the entrance onto Gosport high street and a new outdoor courtyard area where the donated tiles will feature for years to come.

There are a limited number of tiles available and HCT is asking for a minimum donation of £30 per tile, with a maximum of three tiles available per person. Each clay tile measures 200mm x 100mm and allows for 2 lines of text. Inscribed with words of the donor’s choice, the tiles could feature a name, a memorable date or a message for a loved one.

When asked why they decided to donate to the TAG-A-TILE campaign, one donor commented: “Having moved to Gosport in 2018 we have loved the area and feel very welcome here, have made lots of friends and even within a few years it feels like home.”

Another donor said: “We have a boat in Gosport and spend many a happy time here, shopping, talking to all the locals and taking in all the historical sites. One of our favourite places is Gosport Gallery for its exhibitions, and we are proud to support it!”

Once the building works have been completed, anyone who has donated a tile will be invited to a private view of the courtyard, ahead of the public re-opening to see the inscribed tiles installed.

To donate a tile or find out more about this campaign and Hampshire Cultural Trust please visit https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/tag-a-tile.

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