CALLS have been made for Wyre Forest Council to help preserve the history of Kidderminster by helping the Museum of Carpet remain open.
The museum at Stour Vale Mill, Kidderminster, which has served as a centre of learning, culture, and heritage, will be shutting its doors for good on December 20.
Bosses at the museum have cited a combination of rising energy prices, maintenance costs, loss of tenants, and reduced footfall for their decision.
Following the announcement, several readers contacted the Standard via Facebook, expressing their sadness at the closure.
Many people asked why Wyre Forest District Council couldn’t take over the museum since they already fund the Bewdley Museum.
It currently costs the council more than £500,000 each year to fund and operate the Bewdley Museum.
A Wyre Forest District Council spokesperson said: “We are saddened to hear the news that the Museum of Carpet will be closing. The Council is committed to preserving heritage across our district.
“As part of this, we fund and operate Bewdley Museum.
We welcome the steps now being taken to safeguard the Museum’s collection and to find it a new home, and we look forward to the Trust’s further announcement.”
The museum holds a large collection of images and records relating to the town’s carpet industry, and it also hosts a wide range of activities, events, and workshops.
It opened in 2012 and is the only museum in the UK dedicated to carpet and carpet making.
It has been run by the Carpet Museum Trust, which was founded in 1981 with the aim of establishing a public museum full of items of local historical and educational interest.
The Carpet Museum Trust will continue to be responsible for the management of the museum’s archives, displays, and collections.
Arrangements are being made to preserve and relocate the Museum’s collection for future generations.
One Standard reader said: “This is sad news. The Museum of Carpet is more than just a carpet museum, its the history of Kidderminster.”
Another added: “Absolutely gutted for all the volunteers, staff and trustees who have put so much effort into this unique museum.
“It’s a really challenging time for the heritage sector. This should be a wake up call for everyone – if you want local museums, arts, culture and heritage, you need to use it or lose it.”
