A new exhibition, which opened at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon on 21 March, sheds light on the life and work of former Mayor of Barnstaple, Bruce William Oliver, who died 50 years ago this year.

The exhibition, 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 he was both at work and play.

Born in 1883, Bruce Oliver is perhaps best known as a local architect along with his father, William Clement Oliver, who was responsible for many nineteenth century buildings in Barnstaple. Having completed his architecture training in London, Bruce Oliver returned to work exclusively in Devon. In addition to several restoration projects – notably the old Three Tuns Pub on the High Street and the Golden Lion Hotel on Boutport Street – he was also involved in the rebuilding of the Albert Hall, now the Queen’s Theatre, following the fire of 1941.

Beyond his role as architect, Bruce Oliver was also an accomplished artist, photographer, musician, actor, historian and sportsman. He was a prolific watercolour painter and his collection of photographs captured glimpses of North Devon’s past as well as some of the architectural and restoration projects he worked on. He was a founder member of both Barnstaple Orchestral Society and the John Gay Theatre in Newport, and he played leading parts in Barnstaple Operatic Society’s annual productions.

Bruce Oliver was elected Mayor of Barnstaple in 1931 on the strength of his services to community, charity and entertainment. He joined the North Devon Athenaeum in 1932 as a board member, and he became Trustee and Chair in 1951.

Following his death in 1976, Bruce Oliver left the bulk of his estate to the North Devon Athenaeum – which includes notes, drawings, watercolours, photographic slides and more, including his house, Homestead in South Park, Barnstaple. Some of the items from his estate will be shown as part of this celebratory exhibition.

Alison Mills, Director of the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, says, “The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon shares a very special relationship with the North Devon Athenaeum – having grown from it – and we’re delighted to be able to display items from an archive that haven’t been seen publicly before. Many of the exhibits that visitors will see are of great local and historical relevance – whatever your area of interest, from history, architecture, sport to the arts – and they will continue adding richness and depth to the story of North Devon. After all, this is exactly the purpose of our Museum and Community Gallery – to uncover the layers of our rich past and celebrate the many wonders of our region!”

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm. Entrance is free.

Image: © North Devon Athenaeum