Dear Bethan.

I am writing as the Chairman of the Friends of National Museum Wales, a charity with over eight hundred members.

I wish to indicate my profound concerns about the  proposal to weaken or possibly remove the independence of Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales, which is enshrined in its Royal Charter, by forcing its merger with other public bodies.

I know that I am expressing the views of many members of the Friends when I say such a move is likely to weaken or compromise fundamentally many important aspects of the work now undertaken at Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales.

I refer in particular to the invaluable research, conservation and curatorial work carried out across all seven sites by museum staff.

Although this work may not reach newspaper headlines, it enriches enormously not only our understanding of the history, heritage and culture of our country but also helps Wales and its people gain a deeper understanding of our relationship to the wider world.

Whilst recognising that financial considerations may be prominent in determining Welsh Assembly Government’s future policy, I would urge you most strongly not only to consider the commercial imperatives. 

I would also hope that the Welsh Assembly Government, after wide public consultation, will give due regard to the views which will undoubtedly be expressed by many people, including the Friends of National Museum Wales, on this very important matter. 

Yours sincerely,

Richard Carter

Chairman, Friends of National Museum Wales