The Museum of Royal Worcester was officially re-opened by the Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Jo Hodges, on the 27th July in the company of Sir Michael Perry, Chair of Trustees, volunteers, supporters and staff. The Mayor enjoyed a tour of the Museum and witnessed all the social distancing and hygiene measures to enable people to feel welcome and comfortable. She fondly recalled that the building had previously been former primary school, St. Peters, which she had attended as a child.
Sophie Heath, Museum Director, says “We’re delighted to open up our spacious galleries and Worcester’s porcelain heritage to visitors again where people can enjoy a safe day out with confidence. We have produced a 2minute video guide on our website to give visitors a preview of what to expect from their visit. And we’ve launched special shielding slots for over-60’s from 10am-10.30am to make the Museum experience available to as many people as possible. As a thank you for the outstanding efforts of NHS staff and keyworkers, the Museum is also offering a 50% discount on entry – they just need to use the code nhsTQ20 when booking and present their staff pass on arrival. “
The Museum is located in historic Severn Street alongside the Royal Porcelain Works arts complex and Good Roots café. The Museum engage people with the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world, together with the factory and design archive – an exceptional heritage of local, regional, and national importance. The world-class collection tells the stories of the people who made and enjoyed these extraordinary objects, celebrating the colourful history of 250 years of ceramic design, local skill and innovation. One recent visitor exclaimed “it’s one of the wonders of the world, a magical place!”
Sir Michael Perry GBE, Chair of Trustees at the Museum, said: “Staff have prepared a one-way system around the Museum and are managing visitor flow by introducing a new advance booking timed ticket system so that people can enjoy inspiration and relaxation in person with family and friends on an uplifting and memorable day out. We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support of our re-opening – it’s been a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about sustaining heritage for the benefit of all.”
Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefiting our personal wellbeing. All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from the current crisis. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we are pleased to be able to lend our support to organisations such as the Museum of Royal Worcester during this uncertain time.”
The Museum of Royal Worcester is open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10am to 5pm and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. Staff are ready to welcome visitors to enjoy the riches of the collections in person. To book a timed ticket, visit museum-of-royal-worcester.arttickets.org.uk As per government guidance, from 8 August, face masks are required to be worn in museums, galleries and other indoor tourist, heritage or cultural sites. Visitors are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering and to keep it on until they leave.
To find out more about the Museum of Royal Worcester, visit museumofroyalworcester.org facebook.com/TheMoRW Twitter @TheMoRW
Readers can help support the Museum to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/LockdownInspirationMuseumofRoyalWorcs . The Museum are offering a one-year season ticket as a token of their appreciation for donations over £25, which is enough to photograph and preserve online an object of beauty, such as the precious pattern books and artists’ watercolours.