Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, recently shortlisted for the Tate Bankside Millennium Project, the design of the building takes its inspiration from the temporary canvas village that houses the crews visiting Henley Royal Regatta each year. Raised up above the flood plain on columns, the timber and glass construction of the building mirrors the natural environment of the riverside meadows.

Heading the team setting up the museum is Jane Bowen, previously Development Officer at Cogges Manor Farm Museum. Emily Leach, also from Oxfordshire Museums Service joined the project in November as Deputy Director. Jane and Emily are joined from the world of journalism by rowing historian, Christopher Dodd and Catherine Saker from Sotheby's.

The museum will cover the two major themes of the history of rowing water warrior to amateur athlete and the story of the River Thames with a special emphasis on Henley and the surrounding area. The building will also include a resource centre and library and offer a broad based education service.

Apart from some temporary exhibitions on aspects of the sport of rowing, there has never previously been a collection that illustrates the part rowing has played in warfare, trade, commerce and pleasure. The River Thames is the backbone of Southern England as a trade route and boundary. From navigation to pleasure boats and from flash locks to eel gigs, the Thames has a rich and evocative history which will appeal to all.

Many offers to the collection have been received by The River and Rowing Museum Foundation including artifacts and photographs relating to Amy Gentry, the founder of British Women's Rowing. In addition the team would be pleased to hear from any museum in the SEMS region who may have relevant items or information in their collection relating to either the history of the river or rowing.

The museum has been supported by several individual benefactions which have enabled it to appoint staff and commence construction of the building. The Trustees will continue to fundraise in order to complete the project.