TULLIE House in Carlisle has been shortlisted for two awards at this year's Museum + Heritage Awards.

These prestigious awards celebrate the very best in museums and heritage from across the globe and are known as ‘the Oscars of the museum world’.

The museum has been shortlisted for the Sustainable Project of the Year award and Volunteer of the Year award, with David Jutson being recognised for his exceptional contribution to the museum.

Tullie House said it has been committed to promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility, with a focus on reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a greener future for the museum sector. 

Over the past year, the museum has undertaken several sustainability initiatives, the most significant being ‘Once Upon A Planet’ funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund administered by Museums Association.

As Tullie House continues to explore new ways to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility, this award is 'a very welcome nod' to the impact of the organisation's 'passion for protecting the planet'.

In addition to its sustainability efforts, Tullie has been recognised for its exceptional volunteer programme.

The museum's volunteers make a significant contribution to Tullie’s success, giving countless hours to supporting the museum's collections, events, and exhibitions.

David Jutson, a Tullie House volunteer who has dedicated over 400 hours of time to the museum in the last year, has been shortlisted for the Volunteer of the Year award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the museum.

David makes the three-hour round trip to Tullie twice a week. Once at the museum, he engages with visitors, uses his background as a geologist to assist the curatorial team, and acts as a training buddy for new volunteers.

He also donates handmade jewellery, crafted from sea glass found at his local beach, to be sold in the museum shop.

In response to the shortlisting, Andrew Mackay, director, said, "We are so pleased to be shortlisted for two awards at the Museum + Heritage Awards.

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers, and our commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Our fingers are crossed for the awards ceremony," he said.