APPENDIX 11
Memorandum submitted by the Director of
Macclesfield Museums Trust
I am the Director of Macclesfield Museums Trust,
a charity (registration no.519521) and a company limited by guarantee,
established in 1987 to manage and develop museum services in Macclesfield
for the benefit of the local community and visitors.
The service consists of:
PARADISE MILL
MUSEUM (1984) within a 19th century
silk mill and location of 26 jacquard handlooms [which were deemed
to be of national significance by the National Heritage Memorial
Fund and Science Museum who assisted in the purchase of the looms].
Guides, many of whom have worked in the industry, demonstrate
handloom weaving and associated techniques. The Museum supports
a weaver in residence scheme to assist young graduate designer/weavers
and has collaborated with other textile museums to produce training
materials with the aim of preserving these fast disappearing traditional
skills.
THE SILK
MUSEUM, which opened in 1987 within
a Grade II* Georgian former Sunday School, tells the story of
silk with particular reference to Macclesfield, once known as
the centre of the English silk industry, and through costume and
textiles shows the importance of silk to fashion and as an accessory.
There is access to collections not on display through a gallery
computer and virtual exhibition which is continually being expanded.
THE SILK
MUSEUM (2002) is a major new extension
within the former Macclesfield School of Art, purchased and refurbished
in order to extend and improve Museum services, with the support
of the Heritage Lottery Fund. The new galleries look at design
education, properties of silk, with interactives, and contain
displays of historic machinery and show the social and economic
impact of the industry.
In addition the Trust manages WEST
PARK MUSEUM,
the original Town museum established in 1898, on behalf of Macclesfield
Borough Council.
The Trust is particularly proud of its Education
Service which supports the teaching of the National Curriculum,
special needs and life long learning and students within tertiary
and further education. Loan material to assist classroom teaching
and in class sessions by museum staff are available
Since it was established the Trust has received
18 awards for heritage education, interpretation and tourism provision.
Whilst the Trust is supported by Macclesfield
Borough Council and Cheshire County Council it has to self generate
65 per cent of its revenue income. The impact of free admission
to the nationals and the high profile publicity associated with
this initiative is having severe implications for the Museum's
admissions where a charge of £6 (£5 concession) is levied.
Of equal importance there is often ill will towards the organisation
when visitors arrive anticipating free admission as the perception
of the general public is that "all museums are free".
I would be grateful if, when the Committee is
considering the success of the scheme in bringing more visitors
to the nationals, consideration can be given for the impact on
very worthwhile organisations, many offering a unique product
on limited resources.
21 October 2002
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