Britain's unique carpet museum, which faced permanent closure last month after visitor numbers plummeted to just six per day, has been dramatically saved by dedicated rug enthusiasts. The Museum of Carpet in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, will now enjoy a special re-launch on Valentine's Day, marking a potential new chapter for this cherished local attraction.
A Valentine's Day Revival for a Heritage Gem
The quirky museum, which had operated for thirteen years before shutting its doors in December, will welcome visitors for four days over the February half-term holiday, starting precisely on February 14. In a generous gesture to encourage attendance, entry will be completely free during this period, a significant change from the previous charges of £6 for adults and £17 for families.
Geoffrey Gilbert, chair of the Carpet Museum Trust, expressed that volunteers were genuinely "floored" by the overwhelming public interest and campaign to save the institution. He confirmed ongoing discussions regarding support and funding for developing a new, permanent museum for Kidderminster, with a progress statement expected in the coming weeks.
Community Celebration and Historical Significance
Local residents in Kidderminster, once celebrated as Britain's carpet capital, have greeted the reopening news with immense delight. Pensioner Graham Connell, aged 70, shared his enthusiasm, stating it was "marvelous news to see such an important slice of the town's history opening once more." He emphasised that almost every home in the country features carpets, largely thanks to Kidderminster's historical industry, and pledged to be first in line when the museum reopens.
The museum, established in a historic 18th-century mill in 2012, houses an extensive collection showcasing three hundred years of carpet history, including hundreds of rug and underlay samples. In its early years, it attracted coachloads of fabric aficionados and school groups, who spent hours exploring the exhibits. It also gained a cult following online, earning a four-star rating on TripAdvisor where visitors praised it as "an absolute gem."
Challenges and Hopeful Future
Despite its initial success and even a playful endorsement from Gary Barlow in a promotional video, the museum struggled in recent years to cover its annual running costs of approximately £100,000, leading to its closure on December 20. The revival effort, spearheaded by passionate fans, offers a beacon of hope. One enthusiastic supporter humorously remarked online about planning a Valentine's Day visit, noting their girlfriend's appreciation for a "good shag pile."
This temporary reopening is seen as a critical test to demonstrate sustained public interest, with museum bosses optimistic it could pave the way for a permanent resurrection in the future. The campaign highlights the power of community action in preserving cultural heritage and specialised local museums.
