BOSSES are ‘exploring every avenue’ to secure the future of the Museum of Carpet as it prepares to close.
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 due to rising energy prices, maintenance costs, loss of tenants, and reduced footfall.
News of the closure has led to an outcry from people in Kidderminster to save the much-loved museum.
Those who run the museum have now taken to Facebook to post an update for supporters.
The post read: “From everyone at the Museum, we would just like to say a huge thank you for the huge outpouring of support, kind words, and well wishes that we have received since announcing the closure of the Museum.
“Your support means absolutely everything to all the Staff, Volunteers, and Trustees here at the Museum.
“We are exploring every avenue to secure the Museum’s future, and a huge thank you to everyone who has shared our story and offered help and advice.”
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.
People have taken to Facebook to express their sadness at the closure.
One said: “I only found out about this museum when I read about the closure.
“I just visited and had a great experience, maybe now awareness has been raised, it will be possible to reverse the decision and retain this history, too much of our incredible heritage is being lost.
Another added: “Such sad news. It is a very important part of our national heritage, and it is a shame that there is no more financial support for this museum.
“It will be a great loss not just for the town but for the whole country- I hope that the Museum of Carpet will be saved.”
