Saddleworth Museum

This article is about the museum in Greater Manchester, England. For the Saddleworth & District Historical Society Museum, see Saddleworth, South Australia.

Saddleworth Museum and Gallery

Established| 1962
Location| Uppermill, Saddleworth, West Yorkshire, England
Coordinates| 53°32′48″N 2°00′37″W﻿ / ﻿53.5467924°N 2.0103235°W﻿ / 53.5467924; -2.0103235
Founder| Roger Tanner
Website| https://www.saddleworthmuseum.co.uk/

The Saddleworth Museum is a local history museum in Uppermill, Saddleworth, West Yorkshire, England. Founded in 1962, the museum is housed in the remains of the 19th-century Victoria Mill and its collections showcase the history of Saddleworth.[1]

## Founding and early history

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In 1959, Roger Tanner purchased the derelict Victoria Mill. With the help of volunteers, the mill's sole remaining building was transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Saddleworth. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1962.[2] Over the next two decades, the museum focused on expanding its collections, developing exhibits, and securing accreditation and charitable status. A board of trustees was formed to guide the museum's mission. In 1980, a successful public appeal campaign allowed the museum to expand and add a community gallery for art exhibitions and local events. This period also saw the museum establish partnerships with local organizations.[3]

## Challenges and refurbishment

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By 2010, the museum faced significant challenges, including dwindling public funding and the increasing strain of maintaining its aging infrastructure. In response, the museum opened its own visitor information center and launched a fundraising campaign. A successful grant application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014 allowed for a major refurbishment project. The project included significant improvements to the building's exterior and interior, including creating a modern reception area, fully refurbished galleries with high-tech and interactive exhibits, and dedicated learning spaces for children.[4]

## Recent developments

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On 20 March 2020, in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum closed to the public.[5] It reopened on 22 May 2021[6] with an upgraded website and social media presence. The online platform allows the museum to reach a wider audience and offer virtual experiences, online shopping, and ticketing options.[5] Volunteers support the museum's operations, while the "Friends of the Saddleworth Museum and Gallery" group organizes fundraising events and membership programs.[7][8] The museum remains financially sustainable through a combination of earned income (art gallery fees, admissions, shop sales, and educational programs) and public donations.[3]

## References

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1. ^ "Saddleworth Museum". Saddleworth parish Council. Retrieved 4 March 2015.
2. ^ Belmore, Aimee (20 December 2019). "Saddleworth Museum volunteers keep local history alive". Saddleworth Independent. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
3. ^ a b "Our Story". Saddleworth Museum. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
4. ^ "Into the Future at Saddleworth | The National Lottery Heritage Fund". www.heritagefund.org.uk. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
5. ^ a b Charlie (30 September 2020). "Saddleworth Museum remains closed but launches its' [sic] improved website to take more advantage of online opportunities". Saddleworth Museum. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
6. ^ Charlie (2 May 2021). "Saddleworth Museum re-opens on 22nd May 2021". Saddleworth Museum. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
7. ^ "Partners". Saddleworth Museum. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
8. ^ "Friends". Saddleworth Museum. Retrieved 18 June 2024.

## External links

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* Official website
* "Saddleworth Museum, registered charity no. 528225". Charity Commission for England and Wales.
* 18 paintings from the museum at Art UK

53°32′48″N 2°00′27″W﻿ / ﻿53.54675°N 2.00753°W﻿ / 53.54675; -2.00753

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