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B4 Classic Event 21st November: A Night at the Museum

The Ashmolean Museum in central Oxford welcomed over a hundred B4 Members and guests for an evening of informal networking and private tours, which included the Egypt, Italian Renaissance and the Founder’s Collection galleries.

The Ashmolean Museum in central Oxford welcomed over a hundred B4 Members and guests for an evening of informal networking and private tours, which included the Egypt, Italian Renaissance and the Founder’s Collection galleries.

Richard Rosser introduced Wendy Ball, Head of Events, Catering and Corporate Relationships who set the scene, informing guests about how the Ashmolean was built thanks to two great business collaborators – John Tradescant and Elias Ashmole – 350 years ago.

Wendy went on to explain, “Tradescant, the 17th-century plant collector and entrepreneur, travelled and collected extensively. He decided to display his collection of ‘curios’ in his home in Lambeth, inviting the public to visit and admire them. The lawyer Elias Ashmole catalogued the collection and then used his network and contacts in Oxford to influence the business and University community to agree to build a museum to display the works for future generations to enjoy.”

This story created the perfect backdrop for the evening’s business of conversations and networking.

A number of trusted partners enhanced the transformation of the Museum into an opulent and inspiring event venue. Head Chef, Mike Dewing, from Clerkenwell Green Events, curated a combination of canapés and a cheese grazing table designed to encourage relaxed conversation.

James Walton and his team at That Event Company supported the event by lighting up the forecourt and the galleries. Between them, Allens Hire and Flowers by Kirsty created stunning showcase tables, complemented by the soothing sounds from jazz musician, Brennie Richards. Emma Spellman from Oojamaflick provided a snapshot video of evening events on the Museum’s digital screens. The Oxford Artisan Distillery, who partnered with the Museum to create the Ashmolean Dry Gin, created the Gin and Bear It cocktail especially for guests to enjoy at this B4 Classic Event.

The evening offered an insight into after-hours event and entertaining possibilities at the Ashmolean. For more information please contact the Events Team on 01865 610406 or by email events@ashmolean.org

The Ashmolean ‘A List’ of preferred suppliers

During Wendy’s address, she introduced the Ashmolean A List. “Time and again”, she said, “our clients have fed back how much they valued recommendations and introductions to reliable experts whose products, services and guest focus was very much aligned with their event vision.”

“To this end, I‘m excited to share with you the launch of a new initiative – a bespoke directory of trusted creatives and suppliers”, she added.

The list will be exclusive; the Ashmolean will only endorse the services of organisations it can wholeheartedly recommend. Paul Jeffery, Corporate Relationships Manager at the Museum said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for a limited number of suppliers to be promoted to all clients hosting an event at the Ashmolean. We will offer our discerning clients a carefully-curated list of suppliers who share our values and meet our high standards.”

He continued, “At this stage, the Museum is seeking expressions of interest from suppliers for inclusion in the ‘A List’. It will follow up in the New Year pursuing formal submissions and a contractual arrangement.” For more information contact Paul Jeffery on 01865 288273 or by email paul.jeffery@ashmus.ox.ac.uk

Continuing the conversation

Post event social media chatter has been incredible. This night at the Museum has certainly gone down as a memorable occasion with many B4 members feeling reinvigorated by the power of B4. The Ashmolean Museum is proud to be a part of such a dynamic, productive and valuable partnership.

Let’s keep the conversations going.

B4 is supported by

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