Curator made redundant at financially troubled National Heritage Centre

The financial problems facing Newmarket's National Heritage Centre for Horseracing and Sporting Art have claimed a significant casualty after it was announced that Graham Snelling, the museum's curator and deputy director, has been made redundant after 26 years of employment.

Despite a significant increase in visitor numbers since the museum's reopening in November last year, forecasts and budgets are failing to be met, which has led to some key members of the management team being required to leave the organisation.

The centre's director Chris Garibaldi said: "Graham Snelling has played a pivotal role in the redevelopment project and the creation of the museum’s new exhibitions and displays.

"Graham has been a loyal member of the museum staff for over 25 years. His care of the collections has been exemplary and he has always been prepared to go the extra mile to support our work.

"It is very difficult to be saying goodbye to talented staff members of such ability and long-standing but we have to be financially prudent and safeguard the museum’s long-term future."

Snelling said: "The National Heritage Centre has been a project in the making over a period of ten years. I have been immensely proud to have delivered a heritage centre that is of international significance.

"After nearly 26 years’ service I am sad to be going, but know that the end product is a fantastic visitor experience."

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