In the heart of Leeds stands the Thackray Museum of Medicine, a local charity that provides an immersive experience covering the history of healthcare and the advances that have shaped the way we look after ourselves, and each other.
As a charitable institution, the museum relies on the benevolence of grant-giving organisations and the support of corporate and individual sponsors to continue its vital mission, to become the foremost medical museum in the UK by 2030. One of the hurdles identified in achieving this goal was the outdated and inefficient IT systems they were using.
Its pre-existing end-of-life technology was hindering the museum from providing the visitor experience they envisioned and holding the team back with their ambitions. As technology continued to advance, the museum recognised the need to bridge the gap between its current IT infrastructure and the evolving demands of its forward-thinking initiatives.
To support them in their endeavours Redcentric, a locally headquartered IT service provider, has committed to making a positive impact in playing a crucial role in supporting the museum’s technological advancement. Understanding the museum’s financial constraints as a charitable organisation, Redcentric has stepped up to provide the necessary support. The primary goal was to replace the outdated equipment, making the museum’s operations more efficient and aligned with its long-term vision.
To help the Thackray Museum improve its IT infrastructure, Redcentric has sourced and purchased 15 brand new laptops, tailored to meet the specific needs of the museum’s users. The financial worth of this generous donation amounted to £10,000. These laptops were delivered just after Christmas, bringing not only a technological upgrade but also a festive spirit to the Thackray Museum – a heartfelt “Merry Christmas from Redcentric.”
This showcases the teamwork needed to shape a future where the Thackray Museum of Medicine can accelerate its growth as a symbol of progress and enlightenment. It also highlights the positive results when businesses acknowledge their social responsibility. Redcentric’s support has played a role in bringing the museum’s long-term vision to fruition.
Chief Executive of the Thackray, Edward Appleyard, said:
‘We are delighted that Redcentric have been able to support a significant gift to the Thackray Museum of Medicine, helping to transform our IT infrastructure. Our museum shares fascinating and insightful stories on medicine, healthcare and wellbeing to inspire, delight and give voices to people in our community. Providing our staff with up-to-date computers and equipment is pivotal in being able to fulfil this and help staff maximise our potential. It will support the charitable work we undertake, both on site and working with partners across Leeds, and will enable us to provide better technology infrastructure to users of The Core – our free to hire community space. The museum is looking to a bright and ambitious future, and this helps us to continue to pave the way for our future development.’
Redcentric is looking forward to seeing the Thackray progress in its journey in becoming the leading medical museum in the UK, with the technological boost provided by Redcentric undoubtedly playing a crucial role in shaping its success.
About Thackray Museum of Medicine
Formerly the Leeds Union Workhouse, Thackray Museum of Medicine is now one of the UK’s largest medical museums and the only one of its kind in the north of England, welcoming over one million visitors. A recent £4m capital development created a venue for discovery and debate, designed for and with a diverse 21st-century audience. Thackray was shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year award 2021 and received a Special Commendation for the European Museum of the Year Awards 2023, the only UK institution to be shortlisted. As a registered charity, the museum’s continued success relies on the generosity and support of trusts, individuals and corporate sponsors, Friends and Members, fundraising activities, admission fees, and the support of the Thackray Medical Research Trust. It is supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
