Museum calls for support to win top prize

SENTINEL readers are being urged to cast their votes and support a museum in its bid to be awarded the UK's largest single arts prize – worth £100,000.

The Wedgwood Museum, in Barlaston, is one of just four museums and galleries to be shortlisted for The Art Fund Prize 2009.

This award is given to the museum or gallery whose project demonstrates the most originality, imagination and excellence.

It is the second year that The Art Fund, the UK's leading independent art charity, has sponsored this major arts prize, and now the public can vote online and have their say about who should win.

Gaye Blake Roberts, director of the Wedgwood Museum Trust, is urging people to show their support.

She said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted. This is a tremendous tribute to everyone who has taken part in the design and display of the artefacts at the museum.

"We're quite apprehensive about the final decision and we'd like to urge the public to register their comments online and say why we should receive the prize.

"This is an opportunity to really fly the flag for the ceramics industry, and in particular Wedgwood."

Lord Wedgwood, speaking at Wedgwood's 250th anniversary celebrations last week, said: "We have the added bonus here at Wedgwood of a wonderful world-class museum.

"Opened in 2008, already in 2009 it is shortlisted for this prize and I know that all of us will congratulate everyone involved for this great achievement."

The museum, an independent charitable trust, maintains Britain's designated collection of Wedgwood exhibits and fine art.

The exhibits are displayed chronologically from 1730, the birth of Josiah Wedgwood, to the present day.

The other shortlisted places are Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, in Glasgow; Orleans House Gallery, in Twickenham; and Ruthin Craft Centre: The Centre for the Applied Arts, in Denbighshire.

The winner will be announced on Thursday, June 18 at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.

David Puttnam, chair of the panel of judges, said: "We are thrilled with the geographic and cultural diversity of what has emerged on the shortlist."

David Barrie, director of The Art Fund, added: "These four museums have made it to the shortlist because of their inspiring approaches to education, innovative ways to engage young people and general all round achievement and excellence."

The winner of the People's Choice will count as one vote when the panel of seven judges make their decision on the winner.

Read more:

Latest Wedgwood news and pictures

Wedgwood trouble is history, says lord (VIDEO)

Pottery industry news

Business headlines

Vote for the museum (This will open on the Guardian newspaper website)