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Council backtracks on plans to close museum

Gavin Kermack
BBC News, West Midlands
Google A red brick building with black letters reading "The Leather Museum" on the side. An annexe-type building, also red brick but with a glass frontage is attached, also marked as the Leather Museum. People are walking along the pavement in front of it.Google
The Leather Museum opened in 1988

Plans to close a museum and relocate its collections have been scrapped following a public backlash.

Walsall Council had said The Leather Museum was not getting enough visitors and it was considering moving it to a more central location.

But at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, leader of the council Garry Perry announced the move from Littleton Street West would not go ahead.

"We have carefully considered the feedback, and the museum holds a deep significance for many people, not least those involved in Walsall's historic leather industry," he said.

A group of people standing outside the Walsall Leather Museum. They are holding placards demonstrating against the museum's closure. They include slogans such as "serving hell for leather", "don't sell our museum" and "don't hide our heritage".
A demonstration against the plans took place outside the museum at the weekend

The museum, which opened in 1988, is housed in a Victorian building that was once a leather factory.

An online petition against the closure attracted more than 6,000 signatures, and on Saturday a demonstration took place.

The petition's organiser Claire Taylor, said: "The museum represents more than just a building; it is a meeting place, an educational resource, and a symbol of our unique leather-working heritage."

Walsall Council A mean with short grey hair and a grey beard is wearing a blue suit jacket, blue tie and white shift standing in front of a wooden door and stairs.Walsall Council
Leader of Walsall Council Garry Perry said the museum would be staying in its current location

Mr Perry told the cabinet meeting the relocation plan was "well-intended".

"[It had] the primary aim of securing its long-term future and broadening its appeal against a backdrop of significant financial subsidy and reducing visitor numbers," he said.

"However, we recognise that many do not share this view, and I regret that we were unable to convince people that this was the right course of action.

"Walsall Leather Museum is an important part of our town's identity.

"While we remain committed to securing a sustainable future for Walsall's heritage, we acknowledge that any changes must be made in collaboration with those who care most deeply about it."

A woman with black hair pulled into a bun looks at the camera as she talks. Behind her are groups of protestors with campaign signs, standing in Walsall town centre. She wears a black scarf, and a black and white striped coat.
Lauren Broxton organised Saturday's protest against the closure

Lauren Broxton, who organised Saturday's demonstration, said she was "blown away" by the decision to keep the museum in its current location.

"We're absolutely elated, we're so happy that the council has listened," she said.

"The building is the museum, it's as much a part of the experience as the collections.

"The whole point of the museum being in that factory setting matches the humble, quiet pride of Black Country people. It's really very unique."

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