Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum has been awarded £33,000 by Arts Council England from its so-called “Museum Resilience Fund”. The investment is to be used to help enlarge the museum’s site, create additional high quality exhibitions and expand the range of events and activities for visitors.
Museum Manager Paul Baker is delighted by the award. He said: “Funding like this is imperative for an independent, charity-run museum such as ours. This money means that not only will we be able to continue to provide a fantastic experience for our visitors, but also continue to produce internationally-recognised projects.”
Peter Knott, Area Director of Arts Council England, who came up with the cash, added: “In the Midlands we’re fortunate to have an exceptional mix of museum collections on our doorstep housing local histories and national treasures. We believe these museums – and the objects they keep safe – play a vital part in community life, helping us celebrate our heritage, deepening our knowledge of the world around us, and entertaining people of all ages. This latest investment from our Museum Resilience Fund is about helping our region’s museums become more sustainable businesses so their rich collections can be used and enjoyed for many years to come.”
The video below was produced in 2013 with previous funding and support from Nottinghamshire County Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Since this filming, a new Luddite Gallery has been added and also a permanent Art Gallery sited in the Old Chapel featuring local painters. There are big plans in the pipeline to expand the museum further when funds allow.
Meantime Ruddington’s Framework Knitters’ Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday (from April 1st to December 23rd) between 11.00am and 4.30pm. It’s also open on Sundays (until September 30th) from 1.30pm to 4.30pm and all Bank Holiday Mondays.
