The Framework Knitters’ Museum has announced major new funding from Barclays to help it achieve an ambitious redevelopment and expansion project.
Dennis Jones, Assistant Treasurer at the popular Ruddington tourist attraction, explained: “We’re very proud of our multi-award-winning museum, one of the only places left in the country where you’ll find the framework knitters’ working and living conditions perfectly preserved. However, as the museum has become more popular over the years, we desperately need more space to accommodate our growing visitor numbers and showcase our collections.
That’s why, in 2014, we purchased a property called Gunn Cottage that sits between our existing complex of frameshops, cottages and outbuildings, and our former Methodist Chapel. The funding from Barclays will help us redevelop our existing buildings and expand the museum into Gunn Cottage – creating a much larger space, where we can offer our visitors a greatly enhanced experience and much improved services.”
Originally established in 1971, the Framework Knitters Museum is a rare, surviving example of a 19th century framework knitters’ yard which has been restored as a living history museum. Visitors can discover how framework knitters and their families lived and worked in Victorian times, see original knitting frames in action in the frameshop and even knit their own souvenirs on a vintage Griswold knitting machine.
The museum also tells the 400-year history of framework knitting, from its role in the Industrial Revolution to the infamous Luddite riots of the 1800s, and how framework knitting gave birth to the Nottingham lace industry. Visitors can even browse for locally-made souvenirs in their Textile Emporium and enjoy a break in the Tea Room or cottage gardens. The museum also has its own exhibition space, the Chapel Art Gallery, which hosts regular exhibitions by local artists, craftspeople and schools.
John Hunter, Relationship Manager at Barclays, said: “The museum already has a lot to offer visitors, other users and the local community. However, their ambitious redevelopment and expansion plans will transform the museum as we know it today. I’m delighted that Barclays are supporting the museum to improve their historic site, offer new and enhanced facilities, and preserve the heritage and craft of framework knitting for future generations to enjoy.”
The funding deal was overseen by Graham Allen of Corporate Money Matters, an independent corporate consultancy and financial specialist, who worked closely with the museum to find a suitable funding partner and broker the deal. Graham explained: “The brokerage of this was based on refinancing some existing debt and removing this from the property it was charged to; in doing this we had to creatively distribute the debt against other assets owned by the museum. The deal also provides a flexible drawdown facility, which can be repaid early, to enable the museum to carry out a number of essential repairs.”
Between now and Christmas, the Framework Knitters’ Museum is open Wednesday to Saturday between 11.00am and 4.30pm. Also keep your eyes peeled for various special events!
