Letter From Ian Pearson MP to Cllr David Caunt
04 February 2009
Dear David
BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM
I am writing formally to express my concerns over reports in the press that the Council is proposing to close Broadfield House Glass Museum and move the collections and research resource to the Red House Cone site.
As chair of the Red House Cone Trust I helped to raise £1.7million for its refurbishment and it is a superb facility. I totally fail to see however that it could possibly house the internationally renowned glass collections that are currently at Broadfield House in its current buildings.
I have been approached by a number of Friends of Broadfield House who say they have not been consulted on this, nor has any detailed financial or practical evaluation been undertaken. They are I believe taking a very constructive approach nonetheless, and tell me that they would support a move if it were to be an enhancement and improvement on what is currently on offer at Broadfield House. I fully support this view. We have a proud glass heritage and currently curate some of the finest pieces to be found anywhere in the world. We should be looking to do more to show it off, not cram it away somewhere mostly out of sight.
I think as an immediate first step the Council should assure the current staff at Broadfield House that their jobs are secure. Following that they should, in examining the feasibility of options to enhance and improve the current offer, work closely with the Friends, The Glass Association and the Glass Circle. I would, of course, be happy to lend my support in this matter as I did previously with the Red House Cone.
Yours sincerely
IAN PEARSON
cc Cllr David Sparks
cc Cllr Dave Tyler