Concern over Suffolk museum name change

Residents local to a museum in Suffolk say changing its name may lead to a loss of local heritage.

Stowmarket’s Museum of East Anglian Life is rebranding to the Food Museum. 

Matthew Attwood, creator of a petition against the rebrand that received over 1,000 signatures online, says changing the name and ethos of the museum would mean the loss of the only local institution dedicated to its culture, heritage and history.

The museum has defended its decision, saying the change reflects a consultation that found most of its collections related to food, and that many people were unsure what the museum offered.

A spokesperson said preserving local heritage remains a “real priority”.

“We’re changing our name but keeping our collections which do tell the story of food and farming in East Anglia. We’re just trying to make it more appealing to bring more people in, that’s the key.”