The Saving the Last Major Bellfoundry in Britain Project continues at pace as it invites a specialist museum and heritage fit-out contractor to develop and deliver the interpretation of Loughborough Bellfoundry’s refreshed museum. The museum is located in the still-operational Grade II* Listed bellfoundry buildings in the heart of Loughborough, Leicestershire.
Designs for the new-look museum have been drawn up by museum design consultancy Redman Design which will create interactive and engaging exhibition spaces for all ages to enjoy. All part of the wider project funded by a number of generous donors and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The design for the refreshed museum aims to create an authentic visitor experience that is rich in the history of the site and the people who lived and worked here, including design, engineering and crafting tools from across the ages, and of course lots of bells to touch and ting! There will be plenty of other objects and information for people of all ages to discover and investigate.
There will be two primary spaces for visitors to explore within the museum – a ground floor timeline detailing the history of both the bellfoundry and the art of bellfounding and the Patternmaker’s Gallery, which will display a series of objects that have been recovered from existing foundry spaces, located in the original pattern making workshop.
Throughout the museum, visitors will be encouraged to handle and investigate objects, making it an immersive and intriguing experience for families, schools, bell enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Dr Chrissie Van Mierlo, museum director at Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, said: “We are delighted to be progressing with our plans to repair and refurbish the historic Loughborough Bellfoundry – and the redevelopment of the museum is the latest part of those plans as we look for a contractor to carry out the work.
“More than 25,000 bells, which can be heard in more than 100 countries, have been cast here since the present bellfoundry was built in 1859 – and when you walk into the museum, you will be able to feel and appreciate all of that history as you look around. We really want to capture that authentic experience for everyone to enjoy.”
Stephen Marsh, associate and senior 3D designer at Redman Design, said: “It is a pleasure to be working on this project for the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust. Our approach to the museum design has been to capture the character of Taylor’s Bellfoundry with a wide range of objects and stories on display for an in-depth experience.
“We’re very pleased with the designs for the new museum as it will transform the space into an interactive place to visit where all ages can discover the history of this unique bellfoundry and the fascinating art of bell making.”
The Loughborough Bellfoundry is also known as John Taylor’s Bellfoundry, and is the last major bellfoundry in the UK and Commonwealth.
