Kidderminster Carpet Museum Shutters Doors Permanently

Kidderminster's Museum of Carpet has announced its permanent closure after operating for 13 years. The decision, described as a "bereavement" by volunteers, stems from an inability to match the museum's substantial running costs, estimated at £100,000 annually, with generated income. The trust chair revealed a deficit of £30,000 to £50,000 in recent years, leading to depleted reserves and a realization that the business model was no longer financially viable.

Despite the museum's closure, the Carpet Museum Trust affirmed its commitment to continue existing and to preserve the invaluable collections. These collections encompass artifacts, archives, books, and photographs chronicling 300 years of carpet-making history, a legacy deeply intertwined with Kidderminster's industrial past. Volunteers expressed sorrow, noting that fears of closure were often not openly addressed, and insufficient visitor numbers contributed to the financial strain.

Kidderminster was once a global hub for carpet manufacturing, boasting 25 factories at its peak and employing approximately 15,000 people. While the industry has seen a significant decline since the late 1970s due to foreign competition and changing market demands, a few companies like Brockway still operate. The trust was initially established to preserve this heritage as the industry diminished.