VOLUNTEERS behind Kidderminster’s Museum of Carpet is looking to keep the story of the iconic venue alive after its closure.
The museum at Stour Vale Mill, Kidderminster, which has served as a centre of learning, culture, and heritage, closed for the final time last month after ‘significant financial challenges.’
The news has led to an outpouring of sadness on social media, as well as by local councillors, businesses and residents.
In response to this, the Trustees and Volunteers agreed to meet in early January to discuss options for the Museum in 2026.
And now those working behind the scenes have said that, although the galleries were closed, there was still activity going on behind the scenes.
A post on the museum’s Facebook page said: “Although 2025 was a difficult year for the Museum, and we had to decide to close our doors to the public at the end of December, we still want to share our story with you.
“All the objects in the Collection are still being cared for by a dedicated team of volunteers.
“We want to use our social media to bring the Museum to you.
“We hope you enjoy our content and celebrate all the happy memories the Museum has facilitated over the last 13 years. Let’s keep the story alive in 2026.”
The post also asked people to send their photos from the museum to them via social media.
Volunteers who run the museum cited a combination of rising energy prices, maintenance costs, loss of tenants, and reduced footfall for their decision.
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.
