The retail area of one of Ruddington’s top tourist attractions has been transformed this week thanks to a significant cash boost.
We reported in October how £8,335 had been awarded towards The Framework Knitter’s Museum‘s ‘Shop Improvement Project’ through the Museum Development East Midlands (MDEM)’s Recovery and Reboot Grants. This also included core funding and a donation from ‘The Friends of the Ruddington Framework Knitters’ Museum’.
It’s involved the installation of a reception desk for ‘point of sale’ alongside extensive new display cabinets and shelving in ‘Parker’s Yard’ – which sits within the former ‘Gunn Cottage’. These also allow merchandise to remain on display securely and safely when the gift shop is closed but the café is open. Up until now, items for sale had been placed on old shelving and tables – which was found to be less than ideal.
Museum manager Sarah Godfrey explains: “Since COVID, museums like us are implementing new approaches and ideas to address audience needs and the development of a sustainable offer going forward. We are diversifying! It looks fantastic and we are very pleased and grateful to everyone who helped realise this project.”
The bespoke shop layout was created by Matt Jamieson from Fenn Woodwork. “He has been responsible for many exciting builds in Nottingham and his work has been flawless – from design – to build – to install” says Sarah. “It only took two whole days to install during our closed days. He had a tricky job of designing a shop area in a difficult old/wonky space. We wanted to be able to lock away items so that we can hire the larger space out. We have enquiries about it every week – and now we can provide hire beyond just the chapel space.”
Sarah adds: “We are also very keen to support our talented local makers (Matt is one of them) and crafters, and you’ll be seeing more of that in the forthcoming months.”
The Framework Knitters’ Museum shop, Split Screen Coffee’s Café and chapel gallery space will remain open throughout the winter from 9.30am to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday and 11.30am to 4pm on Sunday. The museum itself is now closed to general admissions, however it will remain available for pre-booked tours and, of course, open for special events such as its ‘Cosy Traditional Christmas’ on Saturday December 17th.
