The Tank Museum was founded in 1923 as a teaching resource for engineers and soldiers of the Tank Corps. Over the last 80 years, the Museum has dramatically transformed from a training aid for the Army to a 21 st century Museum aspiring towards access and excellence for all.
Based at Bovington Camp, the home of the tank, the Museum boasts the most comprehensive collection of armoured fighting vehicles in the world, originating from the Royal Armoured Corps, British Allies, and armies fighting against British forces. In addition, the Museum has a very strong supporting collection of medals, photographs, film, sound recordings, fine art, books, weapons, models and memorabilia. The entire collection has Designated Status. Current displays tell the story of the tank in the 20th and 21st centuries, from its inception in 1915 to the most recent Gulf War.
The Tank Museum is a seasonal attraction with the majority of visits taking place during the School holidays. Last year, we received just over 120,000 visitors, 70% of which were tourists from within the UK holidaying in the area. The largest single visiting group is families. Two-thirds of visitors are male, which is a common feature of military museums. A significant proportion of visitors are coming to a Museum for the first or second time, making us a ‘Gateway’ museum. At present, we do not attract a significant number of visits from the local population although recent audience development initiatives have specifically targeted this group. |
At Close Quarters The Tank Museum’s Redevelopment Project
At Close Quarters is an HLF-funded £16 million phased redevelopment of the Museum galleries, buildings, stores and outdoor site. Its aims is transform all aspects of the visitor experience by providing better access, engagement and enjoyment of our Designated collections, and thus ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Museum.
The project is divided into three major phases of work:
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| Phase 1: Supporting Collections Study Centre |
- A new on-site storage facility for the Museum’s extensive supporting collection, which is currently located in scattered and inadequate stores.
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| Phase 2: The HLF-funded project (Due for completion in 2009). This will include: |
- A brand new 5,000 sq m display hall which will tell the story of the tank, from its invention in World War One through to present day use.
- Transformation of the existing halls into The Discovery Centre which will take a thematic approach to the story of armoured manoeuvre warfare. For example: What is a tank? Why do we need tanks? Who crews tanks? How do tanks work?
- An expanded storyline which includes the origins of armoured manoeuvre warfare. For example, the Assyrian chariot.
- More opportunities for family and curriculum-based learning.
- A 250 sq m Government Indemnity Standard Special Exhibitions Gallery
- A 98 sq m dedicated Learning Centre.
- An improved World War One Trench Experience.
- A brand new arena.
- A new entrance, orientation area and café.
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| Phase 3: Future phases, 2009 and beyond |
- More building works
- New immersive experiences like the World War One Trench Experience.
- Upgrades to the permanent displays.
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| In January 2005, the Museum was awarded a Stage One pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund for £8.5 million towards a total £16 million redevelopment project. A Stage Two application will be submitted in November 2005 and the Museum is expecting a final decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund by April 2006. |
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| Catering Supervisor (Closing Date: Wednesday 30th July 2008) |
| Basic details of the post: |
Job title: Catering Supervisor
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £14,000 - 15,000 per annum
Holiday entitlement: 20 days (pro rata)
Hours: A rota of 5 days out 7
Department: Tank Museum Café and new Restaurant.
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| Key responsibilities of the post: |
- We require a flexible well organised Catering Supervisor to help the Catering Manager run the Tank Museum Café and new Restaurant.
- We would ideally like the candidate to hold NVQ 2 but relevant experience alone would be considered.
- This is a permanent post , working on a rota of 5 days out 7.
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| How to apply: |
For more information please contact Angela Batch - HR/Office Manager
on (01929) 405096 ext 210,
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or to apply download an application form - pdf format (26KB)
which you can print off, fill in, sign and post back to The Tank Museum. |
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You will require Adobe Acrobat Reader to access pdf files
This can be downloaded free from the Adobe website: |
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