Bompas & Parr is launching the British Museum of Food, the worlds first cultural institution entirely devoted to the history, evolution, science, sociology and art of food. Never before has the subject of food been explored so powerfully, with a series of exhibits that align with the quirky and disruptive style of the studios approach to communicating food and drink coupled with the ethos and values of a serious museum.
Opening for three months from 23rd-October, the museum is a proof of concept as it seeks a permanent home. Located in a building at Borough Market across two floors, Bompas & Parr is collaborating with the markets managers, trustees and traders as well as a selection of different artists to initiate a new cultural institution for the capital.
Through its exhibits and experiences the museum aims to showcase the most exciting elements of food. Fundamentally it will seek to change peoples lives by helping them consider what they eat and to spread knowledge around nutrition and health and to recognise its role in culture. As it builds a permanent collection, it will seek to become a globally recognised national resource, a platform for experimentation and innovation, and a body that can advise government policy makers on anything related to food.
Bompas & Parr is seeking charitable status for the museum and assembling a board of trustees ahead of seeking financial support to establish a permanent museum. Harry Parr, partner of Bompas & Parr and a founder trustee of the museum, said: ”Around the world there are various museums devoted to specific items of food and drink, such as herrings and absinthe, but nowhere has an institution been created that seeks to embrace this crucial part of human existence. This has long been an aspiration of the studio and were delighted to have been able to assemble a stellar cast to help us bring this to life. And where better than the spiritual home of Londons food culture?”
Visit www.bmof.org or www.bompasandparr.com for further details of the event
