Author: Sal
Closure of Brading Waxworks A Sad Loss
Tuesday, 20th October, 2009 at 1:28 pm, Isle of Wight
It was a great shame to hear at the end of last week that the Waxworks in Brading will be closing its doors come January.
Our first visit to ‘Brading The Experience’ was an experience indeed. We were amazed by the fantastic collection of waxworks and historical paraphernalia.
The subtle touches of humour and in some cases downright weirdness secured it a venue we love taking friends to when they visit from the mainland.
Back in 2006, we were lucky enough to catch A Phoenix Too Frequent, the Ad Lib Theatre Co’s version of Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch which was performed in the courtyard of the attraction. It was a great use of the space, proving that tourist attractions can have multiple purposes.
Difficult to sustain
Unfortunately, falling visitor numbers have forced the closure with a reported reduction of half the number of people through their doors in the last seven or eight years.
Sadly, four part-time staff will be made redundant and the others offered positions at the nearby Bugle Inn.
We spoke with Janette Smith, General Manager at the tourist attraction who confirmed that that although use of the site and buildings is currently being reviewed, there is no news on what the plans for the site are yet.
The chamber’s response
Speaking on behalf of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, Dean Pascall, general manager said: “We know that Island tourism held up very well this year, so the closure of Brading the Experience is a particularly sad loss.
“Our enquiries show that, just as in any business sector, people are having mixed fortunes. Feedback suggests that many are feeling the pinch because of the credit crunch, and although we are encouraged by signs that the national economy is beginning to pick up again, news of the closure of the waxworks is a reminder that conditions are still very challenging, and that we need to work closely together.
“For our part, we will continue to work with tourism businesses and our partners as we seek to promote the Isle of Wight as the UK’s leading holiday destination, and create the conditions for success.”
Don’t miss your last chance
If it’s been a while since you visited the Waxworks, why not make another visit before it closes?
The attraction will be open as normal everyday until the end of October including a Halloween themed week for half term, but during November and December opening times are limited to weekends only.
They tell us that in the final days before closure (2nd-3rd January 2010) all money received will be donated to the IW Earl Mountbatten Hospice.
If you can’t make it along, here are a few reminders of the wonders it holds.
Click on the images below to see larger versions.
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It’s a quirky place alright. I took my son there earlier this year – amazingly it was my own first visit. You can really feel the building’s history and I loved a lot of the curiosities, but I was glad my son gave the chamber of misogynistic horrors a miss. When I mentioned it to my other half, he recognised the description from when HE last visited, which he reckons must have been in the 1970s. Sadly, it did look in need of an update. I hope the building will remain open in some form.
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Hopefully, the publicity of the closure will prompt someone else to buy it and keep it open.
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I’m very sad about this … our guests LOVE it!
Maybe the exhibits will find a new island home?
*gets purse out without telling husband*
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Haven’t been for years – great photos – will try to drag the rest of the family down there before the end of the year. Thanks for letting us know.
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It’s a real shame that it has to close, and although it would be nice for someone to take it over it is very unlikely. I think the location is a big factor!
Wouldn’t it be nice if somewhere a little busier with other attractions such as Blackgang Chine maybe take on some of the exhibits? Especially the horror ones, that would make a fantastic addition to the attraction,
Just a thought, but would be nice!!
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I saw this and just thought i should write this – my first time that i visited the waxworks i was but a little boy and i remember buying a rubber bat it was a trip i made with my dad and is one of my earliest memories as im sure that is the case for most people that were born and raised on the isle of wight it may be small compared to tussords but it was ours and in a world now where only technology seems to count to children ie the wii etc it was amazing to see my sons reaction to the chambers and the SHRUNKEN head …its a shame maybe someone else will save this island treasure
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I loved this place as a kid in the late 70’s, and every time I visit the island, I always come here. It’s a great shame : Times move on, but the last time I visited, back in 2007, it still scared me!!! I really hope someone buys this entire collection, as it really IS worth keeping : The next generation will love it as much as we all do…..I challenge anyone to visit and not enjoy the whole experience!!
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