Old pile will preserve carpet history

A carpet museum is to be created as a new major tourist attraction in the Kidderminster area, thanks to Heritage Lottery funding of £1.7 million.

Famous world-wide for its carpet heritage, the town will benefit from the injection of cash to create the museum in the former Stour Vale Mill in Green Street.

The Grade II listed building, dating back to 1855, was originally a carpet factory and is to be turned into a museum housing displays of old and new equipment, samples and pattern books.

The central attraction will be a working power loom and galleries will depict the development of the industry from the 18th Century. Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the West Midlands, said: "This is a long-awaited and eagerly supported project in Kidderminster that we are very pleased to support.

"It is also an interesting example of how a modern development – in this case the opening of a new Morrison's store in Kidderminster – has paved the way for the conservation of a town's industrial and architectural heritage through the restoration of Stour Vale Mill.

"This exciting new museum for the Midlands will work to emphasise the strong community links between carpet-making and the town, alongside hands-on opportunities for people to learn about the technical aspects of carpet production.

"Other facilities will include relocation of the Carpet Archives Centre to the new site, an Education and Resource Area for families and schools, a temporary exhibition area, and the display of the museums' collection of machinery, artefacts, photographs, archives and libraries.

Charles Talbot, Honorary Secretary and Trustee of The Carpet Museum Trust, who has spearheaded the project, said: "This grant will encourage support from many quarters to provide the financial help."