We at Proud Gypsy Traveller CIC are incredibly proud of our collaboration with Beamish, the Living Museum of the North—especially as they were recently awarded Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s most prestigious museum prize. This £120,000 accolade underscores their outstanding commitment to inclusive storytelling and genuine community partnership.
Sharing Stories, Connecting People
As part of our work, we’ve shared historical photographs from our collaboration with Beamish on Facebook, inviting the community to help us identify individuals and share the stories behind the faces. These are more than just images—they are links to personal histories, living memory, and cultural pride.
We are still keen to identify more people and welcome anyone with information to come forward. The response so far has been incredibly moving.
Some of the public comments on our posts have included:
- “Lovely article
- My great grandad Issac Nicholson born at Brampton NR Appleby now buried with other family members at longmarton NR Appleby true traveling people and from country Durham area
- My grandfather Tow Law Joe (Nicholson)
- Issac Nicholson stood up known as Doggie Ike my granny Sarah Brough cooking my aunt Mary and aunt Janey sat down also sat down Vina Brough Tow Law Joes wife Brough hill fair
- “Brilliant work highlighting history that’s too often forgotten.”
- John Tom front Robert Jones behind and Norah Nicholson holding the baby ( John Joe Nicholson I think)
These reactions reaffirm how meaningful and overdue this recognition is—not just for museums, but for the communities represented within them.
Why Beamish’s Award Matters
Cultural spaces have a duty to tell the full story. Beamish has embraced that responsibility, making real efforts to include Romany Gypsy and Irish Traveller voices in how they present the past. We haven’t been added in as a footnote—we’ve been consulted, involved, and listened to.
The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025 judges praised Beamish for being “joyous, immersive, and unique,” and credited their award-winning approach to the way they bring history to life through authentic community engagement.
Looking Ahead
We are excited about the future. Our collaboration with Beamish is ongoing, and we look forward to building further:
- Exhibitions that reflect living traditions
- Educational workshops shaped by real community voices
- Events that explore identity, history, and belonging
We are also continuing our call for public help in identifying those featured in older photographs. If you think you know someone or recognise a family name, please reach out. Every shared story adds depth to our history.
Thank You, Beamish
This award is more than recognition for a museum. It is recognition of a shared belief: that all communities deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered.
We are proud to have played a part in that journey—and even prouder to continue walking it together.
