Thatcher's supporters plan library and museum
Source: AFP |
April 15, 2013, Monday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
ADMIRERS of late British prime minister Margaret Thatcher are planning to create a new library and museum in London to celebrate her legacy and shape the future of conservative politics.
Backers revealed late Saturday that they aim to raise 15 million pounds (US$23 million) in private funding for the new institution, where visitors would be able to see artefacts including Thatcher's famous handbags and trademark blue skirt-suits.
Britain's only female prime minister, who was in power between 1979 and 1990, died at the Ritz Hotel in London on April 8 after suffering a stroke. She was 87.
The planned library is based on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in California, which houses millions of documents, photographs and artefacts from the former US president's time in power.
"The center will be a place for scholars, students and tourists alike to come and learn about the remarkable life, the unique achievements and the core values of Margaret Thatcher," said Ben Elliot, chairman of the project's trustees.
The death of the Iron Lady, the longest-ruling British premier of the 20th century, has sparked fierce debate about her legacy.
Admirers say she helped to end the Cold War and rescued the British economy after years of decline. But critics accuse her of wrecking communities and putting millions out of work with her radical free-market reforms.
On Saturday night hundreds of her opponents filled London's Trafalgar Square to celebrate her death.
The library is believed to have the support of at least three cabinet ministers in the current Conservative-led government of Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as key political figures from the 1980s.
The campaign is being led by the right-wing group Conservative Way Forward, which was set up by Thatcher's supporters in 1991 after she was dramatically forced out of office by her own party.
Backers revealed late Saturday that they aim to raise 15 million pounds (US$23 million) in private funding for the new institution, where visitors would be able to see artefacts including Thatcher's famous handbags and trademark blue skirt-suits.
Britain's only female prime minister, who was in power between 1979 and 1990, died at the Ritz Hotel in London on April 8 after suffering a stroke. She was 87.
The planned library is based on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library in California, which houses millions of documents, photographs and artefacts from the former US president's time in power.
"The center will be a place for scholars, students and tourists alike to come and learn about the remarkable life, the unique achievements and the core values of Margaret Thatcher," said Ben Elliot, chairman of the project's trustees.
The death of the Iron Lady, the longest-ruling British premier of the 20th century, has sparked fierce debate about her legacy.
Admirers say she helped to end the Cold War and rescued the British economy after years of decline. But critics accuse her of wrecking communities and putting millions out of work with her radical free-market reforms.
On Saturday night hundreds of her opponents filled London's Trafalgar Square to celebrate her death.
The library is believed to have the support of at least three cabinet ministers in the current Conservative-led government of Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as key political figures from the 1980s.
The campaign is being led by the right-wing group Conservative Way Forward, which was set up by Thatcher's supporters in 1991 after she was dramatically forced out of office by her own party.
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