Public show love for Kidderminster carpet museum (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Public show love for Kidderminster carpet museum

7:30am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By William Tomaney

VISITORS were given their first opportunity to enjoy Kidderminster’s long-awaited carpet museum as it opened its doors to the public.

Families and former carpet workers were able to discover the industry’s history, design their own carpets and watch working looms in action from Saturday morning.

A steady stream of customers hurried into the museum and highlights included watching the unique Wilton Jacquard and Spool Axminster looms as well as looking at a timeline of carpet on a carpet.

Libby Simpson, daughter Emily Motteram and grandchildren Jack and Gracie Banner were first through the doors.

“I worked at Brintons which is why I wanted to come and visit,” said Ms Simpson. “We are very impressed.

“The timeline is very pretty, the building is lovely and it will be a great place for school visits. It shows a big part of our history.”

Tony Meredith, from Kidderminster, said he would be encouraging his friends and family to visit.

“It is the completion of a 30 year vision and just wonderful to see it,” he said. “It is even better than I expected.

“It is about bringing the old industry to life for people of younger generations. I have already asked about season tickets as I do not just want to come just once.

“My favourite part is watching the women on the hand looms, you really get a feel for what it was like.”

Another visitor, Elaine Martin, a former picker at Woodward Grosvenor said the museum brought back “happy memories”.

“They have got all the processes right,” she said. “It is bringing happy memories flooding back and I think it will be the same for a lot of people in Kidderminster.

“It is great for older people who have worked in the industry and for youngsters it is a bit of history. Looking around the looms is my favourite part.”