Meet the ‘Grand Old Man of Barum’ – new exhibition opens at museum

A former Barnstaple mayor, architect, artist and philanthropists is the subject of a new exhibition at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon to mark the 50th anniversary since his death.

Bruce Oliver: A Grand Old Man of Barnstaple, has been created in collaboration with North Devon Athenaeum and paints a portrait of an accomplished local man as of many talents.

It opened on Saturday and runs until May 16 and was curated in collaboration with Naomi Ayre, the librarian at the Athenaeum.

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Described as a ‘Grand Old Man of Barum’ on his death in 1976, Bruce William Oliver was born just over 140 years ago on May 28, 1883.

He was elected Mayor of Barnstaple in 1931 on the strength of his services to community, charity and entertainment.

He was a well-known local architect who, along with his father William Clement Oliver, was responsible for designing many of the 19th century buildings in Barnstaple – William is credited with designing the Oliver Buildings, the former Shapland and Petter site.

The exhibition sheds new light on his role as a civic leader and his achievements as an architect, as well as his playful nature and his passion for culture, sport and community.

Following his death, he left the bulk of his estate to the Athenaeum, including his notes, drawings, watercolours, photographic slides and more – including his house, Homestead, in South Park, Barnstaple. Some of these items will be on display during the exhibition.

Entry to the museum is free and it is open 10am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday.

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