Joanna Lumley 'heartbroken' by Peter Pan house closure

Joanna Lumley, the award-winning actress known for her roles in shows like Absolutely Fabulous, has expressed her deep sadness over the upcoming closure of Moat Brae, a historic mansion in Dumfries that played a significant role in inspiring JM Barrie to create the beloved character of Peter Pan. As a patron of the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust, Joanna has been actively involved in fundraising efforts to save this important building from being demolished. Unfortunately, the trust recently announced that Moat Brae will close its doors on August 23 due to ongoing financial difficulties, including rising costs and a lack of visitors. Joanna Lumley hopes that a solution can be found to keep this special place open for children and families. Moat Brae is a stunning Georgian mansion that was on the verge of being torn down in 2009 when the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust intervened. With Joanna's help, the trust raised millions of pounds to transform the mansion into a center dedicated to children's literature. After years of hard work, the center finally opened its doors to the public ten years later. However, shortly after its opening, the Covid pandemic forced it to close again, and it has struggled financially ever since. Joanna Lumley has visited Moat Brae on several occasions and has been a passionate advocate for its mission. She believes that reading and learning about literature are crucial for education and provide a wonderful escape for people of all ages, especially children. In her heartfelt statement, Joanna said, 'I am heartbroken that Moat Brae has had to close its doors. ' She emphasized the importance of keeping the building open and filled with children, as it serves as a vital resource for learning and creativity. Joanna also highlighted the historical significance of Moat Brae, stating, 'The place where Peter Pan was born should be celebrated and the name of JM Barrie kept alive. ' She is hopeful that efforts will continue to find a way to reopen Moat Brae and allow it to thrive once again, bringing joy and inspiration to future generations.