The Museum of Carpet, Kidderminster, Worcestershire
Carpets. Not something most of us think about much, but go and visit The Museum of Carpet in Kidderminster and you'll be amazed at how much you learn about about these traditional floor coverings! Kidderminster has its roots in industrialism, particularly in carpet manufacture and it's what the town is best known for, with over half the local population employed in its factories for more than half a century. But not anymore, so The Museum of Carpet was set up to preserve that part of Kidderminster's history and is now a centre of Art, Industry and Heritage.
If you go and have a look round you can see how carpets were made, right here in Worcestershire, and then shipped off and sold all over the world. You can meet spinners and weavers and find out how they lived and worked, how different things were before and after the Industrial Revolution. There are displays and hands on activities, and the chance to see demonstrations of working hand looms and power looms, and actually, it's quite fascinating how it's all done. You'll probably think of it next time you see a patterned carpet or rug.
The museum also has an extensive archive, collated from the various factories in the town, but you'll need to request to see this. It's full of machines and tools, books and photographs, all relating to the carpet industry from the 18th century to the modern day. The collection of over 3,000 designs showcases how fashions and styles have changed over the years, along with the fibres and dyes used in the carpet making process.
If there's a group of you get in touch and arrange a tailor made visit.
Open: Tues-Thurs and Sat 10.00 am-1.30 pm
T: 01562 69028 All information correct at the time of writing