NEW year talks will take place to discuss options for the future of Kidderminster’s historic museum of carpet.
The one-of-a-kind Museum of Carpet announced it would be closing after 13 years due to ‘significant financial challenges’, and its final day was earmarked for December 20.
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 will meet in early January to discuss options for the Museum in 2026.
A statement on behalf of the Carpet Museum Trust, which runs the museum, said: “We would like to express a huge thank you to all those who have visited and contacted the Museum over the last month since our announcement that we would have to close.
“Trustees, Volunteers and Staff have been very heartened by the outpouring of public support.
“We acknowledge as well the support and advice offered by town, district and county councils and councillors.
“An announcement about any developments will be made as early in January as possible.”
Following the announcement, 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.”
Bosses at the museum have cited a combination of rising energy prices, maintenance costs, loss of tenants, and reduced footfall for their decision to close the venue.
The museum at Stour Vale Mill, Kidderminster, 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 to establish a public museum full of items of local historical and educational interest.
Even if the museum remains closed, the Carpet Museum Trust will continue to be responsible for the management of the museum’s archives, displays, and collections.
