Eel Pie Museum secured £8,000 from City Hall following a Dragon’s Den-style pitch earlier this week, funding which could help the museum become a permanent fixture in Twickenham.

Museum founder Michele Whitby had just two minutes to pitch the concept to representatives from London-wide organisations to secure the Mayor’s Crowdfunding Programme pledge.

Jason Roberts, chief executive of technology firm tech21, which is also based on the island, pledged last week to sponsor the preservation and display of the work of famous Eel Pie inventor Trevor Baylis.

Mr Roberts said: “Our offices are directly opposite Trevor’s house. As well as being close neighbours, we have a lot in common.

“We’re both engineers, we’re both innovators. It feels right for tech21 to play its part in celebrating the spirit of invention and creativity that makes this quirky island, with its community of artists and craftspeople, so distinctive.”

Richmond Council has already offered the Museum, which celebrates Twickenham’s musical and riparian heritage, a temporary space on Richmond Road, opposite the Civic Centre in Twickenham.

Councillor Meena Bond, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Sport said: “This is precisely the kind of attraction Twickenham needs and will bring much needed footfall to the town.”

Ms Whitby said: "Now we have a venue, we aim to be up and running again by mid August."

"And, fingers crossed, we can be there until a more permanent space can be found."

In order to secure the Mayor’s £8,000 pledge towards the Museum opening this summer, Ms Whitby will need to match it with funds raised via the online crowdfunding portal, Spacehive.

She said: “Over 100 people have already pledged, and we’re 75 per cent of the way to achieving our goal.

“With just 30 days until our deadline, it really is a case now where every little bit counts. If you have five minutes to go online and support us, then it really will make a difference.”

To support the Eel Pie Island Museum, go to spacehive.com/eelpiemuseum.

For more information, visit Eel Pie Island Museum on facebook or their website eelpiemuseum.co.uk