Great minds think alike!
here is an email I have just ent to Dudley Council!
Now we must all support Broadfield House to teh full!
Congratulations to all the Dudley Councillors who listened to the massive chorus of protestors against the closure of a much loved and valued Museum of national importance in the world of glass.
I made a suggestion that the Friends of Broadfield House be widened in membership. If 3,000 supporters each made out a standing order for £20 a year, giving them a regular newsletter by email about the Museum, new acquistions, new exhibitions and talks on glass, etc., half the costs would be covered! I had many confirmations of support, and via gopetition, this could be set up.
The Museum has the makings of being the Best Glass Museum in Europe, and Second Best Glass Museum in the World ( after the Corning Museum of Glass- New York State- which is fabulously endowed financially!
It has the potential to put Dudley on the national map as a Must See location, and efforts should be made to ensure that the glass making heritage and tradition of the area is never forgotten. Look at Ironbridge and the Tourism that draws in. Stourbridge Glassmaking predates that by two hundred years!!
The John Ruskin Centre, ( ex Webb Corbett/Royal Doulton Crystal), The Stuart Crystal Cone, and the Broadfield House Museum have the makings of a rich
"Glass Maker's Quarter and Trail", that many towns would give their eyeteeth to poseess.
I've known the area for over forty years, and now is the time to develop the theme, and build on those foundations for the benefit of local business and tourism, (hotels, restuarnts, gift shops, bus and coach companies.
Some of the old factories still exist ( just!), Stuart and Royal Brierley sites, and income from sale of part of the site should be invested into developing the core areas as
favourable leases to talented glassmakers who can demonstrate the ancient art of glass making.
I know as I have just opened a small glass museum here at Nazeing,Essex and am developing successfully open days, lectures, "Hot Glass Visits",etc., and
we only go back to 1928!
The Dudley/ Stourbridge area goes back to the first glasshouses in Bagot's Park circa 1550-1585, and families like the Hennezels, Tyzacks and Titterys , Henseys and Bagots!
In fact Dudley should proudly announced "Dudley & Stourbridge, centre of British Crystal for nearly 500 years!"
Finally look what the BBC webpage shows for the Black Country....
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blackcountry/uncovered/glass.shtml The front of the Museum you were planning to close.
So well done again!
