National Trust's Vision for Ironbridge's Industrial Revolution Museums
By Mark Elliott
Presenter, BBC Radio Shropshire
The National Trust's takeover of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a collection of sites chronicling the birth of the Industrial Revolution, promises a seamless transition rather than major changes. Mark Agnew, set to oversee the 10 sites, emphasizes the trust's intention to build upon the existing success of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, which has managed these sites since 1967.
The handover, completed on Monday, involved 48 job losses, but Agnew assured that all remaining staff were transferred and undergoing induction. The National Trust's proactive approach included gathering staff on the day of the legal transfer, marking a significant week for both staff and volunteers.
Agnew highlighted the importance of maintaining the strong connection between the museums and the local community, emphasizing the need for financial sustainability. The challenge, he noted, lies in increasing visitor numbers and profitability, with the National Trust aiming to boost annual visitor numbers from 330,000 to 600,000 in the long term.
This ambitious goal will be achieved through various strategies, including providing paid National Trust members with access to the sites. Agnew expressed hope that the support of these members will contribute to the financial sustainability of Ironbridge, securing its future.
The National Trust's takeover, facilitated by a £9 million government grant, was announced in October, with the primary objective of addressing the financial challenges faced by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, which managed 10 museums and 35 listed buildings and scheduled monuments.
Agnew's extensive experience with the National Trust in Shropshire, including his current role overseeing Attingham Park, positions him to lead the transformation of these iconic museums while preserving their historical significance and community ties.
