THE MUCH-LOVED, one-of-a-kind Museum of Carpet will be closing after 13 years next month due to ‘significant financial challenges.’
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.
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.
Geoffrey Gilbert, the Trust’s chair, said: “It is with deep regret that the Carpet Museum Trust announces the closure of the Museum of Carpet.
“After 13 years serving the public, the museum has, like many similar institutions, faced significant financial challenges in recent years.
“Despite the dedication of staff, volunteers, friends, trustees, corporate partners, and supporters, the combination of rising energy prices, maintenance costs, loss of tenants, and reduced footfall has made it unsustainable to continue operations at its present site.
“Efforts to secure additional long-term funding have been explored extensively with the help of Museums Development Midlands and the Arts Council.
“Unfortunately, no sustainable solutions have been found to overcome these financial challenges.”
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.
Mr Gilbert added: “If you feel you are able to help or assist in any way, please get in touch with me as below.
“In the meantime, up to December 20, we hope that the people of Kidderminster and Wyre Forest will take the opportunity to show their support and appreciation of what we have accomplished by visiting us along with their families.”
