1:44pm Tuesday 15th September 2009
A KIDDERMINSTER carpet heritage project is under threat after the theft of “priceless” loom parts.
The spares for six of the last existing full pitch spool Axminster looms in the world were taken from a 40ft red oxide coloured storage container at the back of a unit on the Sandy Lane Industrial Estate in Stourport.
The metal spares were acquired by The Living Looms, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to conserving the looms for future generations, along with the specialist skills required to use them.
Directors are seeking registered charity status and funding to convert a derelict Victorian carpet warehouse in Kidderminster.
This would house the looms and enable a workshop to be established teaching traditional skills in carpet weaving, textile production and associated engineering.
One of the partners in the enterprise is David Luckham of David Luckham Consultants who specialises in historic carpets and has worked on many projects with the National Trust and English Heritage.
Floor coverings have been provided for historic buildings including Windsor Castle, Chatsworth House and the Albert Hall.
Maureen Mant, co-director of The Living Looms, said: “This is all about conserving the looms and providing skills and opportunities for the future.
“We want to develop a workshop and resource centre which will provide a one-stop shop for current manufacturers of these historic textiles.
“We are hoping that while conserving an important part of our heritage it will provide a different type of industry and employment in Kidderminster.
“However the theft of these spares is a massive blow as they are no longer manufactured and as such they are priceless.
“They are fundamental to the continuing use of the looms which are at the heart of the project and we really need to get as many of them back as possible.”
The theft of the components, including loom beam heads and hundreds of loom spools, was reported on Monday, September 7.
However it is believed they were stolen between Thursday, August 27 and Friday August 28 when a witness saw a lorry unloading a large roll off skip next to the container.
Three men who arrived in a white, flatbed truck, were then seen unloading the container into the skip.
The container was recovered nearby but it is believed the thieves intend to sell the loom spools and other spare parts to Black Country or West Midland scrap merchants.
PC Paul Willetts, who is investigating, said: “Our inquiries so far suggest these parts may be destined for the scrap metal market in the Black Country or West Midlands.
“The thieves may not have realised the historic significance of what they were taking and we are appealing for metal dealers to get in touch with us if they are offered these items.
“Similarly we would like to hear from anyone who may have any information about where these parts went or who was responsible for taking them.”
Witnesses or anyone with information should call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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