The Jewish Museum in London, a venerable institution nearing its centennial, is making a comeback on June 17, following a three-year hiatus prompted by financial and operational difficulties. This revival takes the form of a temporary exhibition program named “Two Rooms,” situated within a pair of galleries at JW3, a prominent Jewish community hub and cultural center in Hampstead, North London. This temporary setup is a crucial step as the museum works towards establishing a new permanent home by 2030, reaffirming its commitment to preserving and showcasing Jewish heritage in the UK.
Charles Ross, the chief executive of the museum, emphasized the profound significance of a Jewish museum in the current global climate, stating that “never has there been, probably, a more important moment for a Jewish museum.” Ross, who assumed his role last fall, brings a wealth of experience from his previous position as managing director of ART SG, an art fair launched in Singapore in 2023. His appointment was driven by his proven expertise in sales, sponsorship, marketing, team leadership, and budgetary management, all of which are deemed vital for steering the museum through its current transition and future development.
Among the inaugural presentations at “Two Rooms” is an exhibition dedicated to the J. Lyons & Co. family, the Jewish entrepreneurs who founded the once-ubiquitous tea shop and bakery chain in London in 1894. This exhibition delves into the history of the company, which grew to operate approximately 200 cafes and expanded into various food service ventures under the leadership of Joseph Lyons and his brothers-in-law, Isidore and Montague Gluckstein. This display marks the beginning of a planned series of exhibitions that will explore the significant impact of the German-Jewish Lyons family on Britain’s food and manufacturing sectors.
Complementing this, the second exhibition, titled “Tree of Life: Stories from Jewish Museum London’s Collection,” offers a comprehensive journey through the history of Jewish life in Britain. Drawing from the museum’s vast collection of 35,000 objects, which includes Judaica, historical photographs, and various artifacts, the exhibition spans from the 1650s to 2023, the year of the museum’s temporary closure. Both exhibitions are scheduled to run until October 18, offering visitors a dual perspective on Jewish contributions to British society and the rich tapestry of Jewish heritage.
Nick Viner, the board chair, articulated the overarching vision behind the “Two Rooms” exhibitions, describing them as a pivotal stride towards establishing a new museum. This future institution, as envisioned by Viner, will not only mirror but also celebrate the depth, intricate nature, and ongoing contributions of Jewish life within Britain, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of its diverse history.