Porcelain museum in line for major windfall

Buy photos » Museum director Amanda Savidge with one of the displays of Royal Worcester porcelain. Picture by Marcus Mingins 5012037MMR

A MUSEUM which provides a lasting legacy to Worcester's great porcelain manufacturing past could be in line for an exciting £1million revamp.

The Museum of Royal Worcester has moved a step closer to securing a grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) which would fund a major refurbishment of the Severn Street site.

The project would also champion the role Royal Worcester and its workforce played in the world of ceramics.

A £88,992 development grant from HLF has been awarded to carry out detailed planning in the New Year, and the museum will need to raise matched funds of £34,609 for this stage of the project.

When this is complete, it will apply for the remaining balance to implement the changes and if successful phased work will begin next autumn.

Sam Driver White, museum chairman, said: "We are delighted the HLF are supporting this project and we have the opportunity to update and upgrade our displays and create an exciting and elegant destination that will introduce more people to our collections and attract visitors to the city."

The fact that Royal Worcester was the finest porcelain made in the United Kingdom is something of which Worcester people are proud and I hope that many will help us by contributing to the matched funding that is required."

Production at the former porcelain factory began in the 1750s and through new displays and audio recordings the museum hopes to bring to life the memories of people who worked at the site which closed in 2008.

The museum will open up a hidden treasure trove of film, archives and collections, develop vibrant educational services and involve volunteers and people who worked at the factory.

Amanda Savidge, the museum's director, said: "When Royal Worcester closed it was obviously a very difficult time for us but it's just fantastic we are still going strong and in this position where we have the prospect of the Lottery award. The money would really help to reinvigorate the displays."

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