Kidderminster and Carpets

A funding ‘black hole’ for the Museum of Carpet; an FA Cup defeat for the Harriers - and man flu for your correspondent. It has not been a good few days for the parish of Kidderminster. Casting to one side the flu and football, the news of the problems facing the Museum of Carpet is sad. I can remember back in the 1990′s when the idea of a Museum for the UK carpet industry was first raised. Many many man hours have been put in on this, at times, soul destroying quest, to see a Museum devoted to carpets. The UK carpet industry rallied round and carpet manufacturers gave generously of both time, equipment and archives to ensure a decent story was told. The day finally arrived in 2012, with the help of the National Lottery. Consumer take up has been encouraging, with all ages expressing interest and tours on a regular basis. However, as we all know, more funding is needed to support museums, and indeed, galleries, across the country. The plight of the Museum of Carpet did catch the eye of one leading broadsheet who devoted a standalone column to it. If you are a school, a former employee in the industry or just interested, a trip to the Museum of Carpet is recommended. It would be a shame for the rug to be pulled from under it when it could earn a pile.