TRIBUTES have been paid to ‘talented and dedicated’ Bernie Orme, one of the key members behind setting up Kidderminster’s much-loved Museum of Carpet.
Born in 1944, Bernie was instrumental in helping launch the Museum back in 2012.
Bernie was one of the museum’s first Wilton Jacquard weavers.
He worked on the Wilton loom, a traditional weaving machine that creates durable, patterned, or plain carpets. He would demonstrate his skills to museum visitors.
A spokesperson for the Museum of Carpet said saying goodbye to Bernie – one of its first Wilton Jacquard weavers – was a very sad occasion.
“The Wilton loom is one of our star exhibits and is a phenomenon to see and hear when it is in operation.
“Bernie delighted in weaving on this loom and put in many hours on behalf of the Museum.
“He had, in fact, spent much of his career as a weaver at Woodward Grosvenor Carpets – the company that owned the building the museum is now housed in – so he was continuing in a way of life.
“Like many generations of Kidderminster people before him, working on the looms was second nature.
“We send our condolences to Bernie’s family and friends.”
One of Bernie’s former neighbours said it was so sad to hear of his passing.
Another person was so inspired after interviewing Bernie, they wrote a poem, called ‘The Day the Weaving Stopped.’
They said: “This is sad news.
“I have strong memories of interviewing Bernie, and I was very moved by the story he told me.”
