Delicate renovation work is to start next month at the Kgosi Sechele I Museum in Molepolole.
This is where the delicacy lies: for any other building, renovation is not a big deal but having been declared a national monument, the museum requires special repair work.
“The fact that the museum is a national monument means that its original shape cannot be tampered with. What that means is that we can only make replacements but not alter the shape of the building,” says Power Kawina, the museum’s curator.
The building was put up in 1902 in the Bechuanaland Protectorate era and was the official residence of the colonial police officer.
In independent Botswana, it fell into disuse and it was only in the late 1980s that it was renovated to house the museum. Kawina says that another major renovation was carried out in 1992.
As a regional museum, Kgosi Sechele I serves all of Kweneng. However, not having been originally designed for the purpose it currently serves, the museum doesn’t have enough space.
Kawina says that in addition to replacing rotten wood, the renovation would also be to create more space.
A lot of space in the interior that could otherwise be used to put up paintings, has been taken up by large picture windows.
In the remodelling, retractable screens will serve as overhang displays over the windows, thus creating additional exhibition space.
When there are no exhibitions, the screens will be retracted to allow natural light to stream in.
Kawina adds that the renovation will enhance the structural integrity of the museum and, in turn, the security of the art collection.
The renovation will take two months and be ready to host the President’s Day regional exhibition in June.
“This year’s participation will be very impressive: already more than 200 artists have registered to exhibit their artwork in our museum before the artworks move to the National Museum Gaborone for the final exhibition,” Kawina says.
Two exhibitions – one by an art lecturer at the Molepolole College of Education, another by some artists from the village – have had to be postponed because of the renovations. These exhibitions will be hosted after the June exhibition.
The renovation is being sponsored by the art division of the Department of Arts and Culture as well as the National Museum.
