A couple weeks ago we reported on the dire state of financial affairs faced by the Wedgwood Museum Collection. The museum absorbed a hefty pension bill and risked losing pieces from its collection at a sale to cover some of the debt. They had until November to come up with the funds.
But fear not, because according to the BBC:
“The Wedgwood Museum collection has been “saved for the nation” after reaching its £15.75m target in a month.
“The collection features 80,000 works of art, ceramics, manuscripts, letters and photographs.
“It faced being sold to help pay off the pottery firm’s pension bill, inherited by Wedgwood Museum after Waterford Wedgwood plc collapsed in 2009.
“The collection is expected to remain on display at the museum in Barlaston, Staffordshire.
“The Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund and a number of smaller trusts have contributed £13m, while a public appeal, including donations from businesses, has raised a further £2.74m since it launched at the start of last month.
“Stephen Deuchar, director of the Art Fund, said the Save Wedgwood appeal had been the fastest fundraising campaign in the charity’s 111-year history, reaching its target almost two months before its deadline.
“He said it demonstrated ‘nothing less than a national passion for Wedgwood.’
“‘Together we’ve ensured that one of the most important collections in the world can continue to be enjoyed by all,’ he said.”
Congratulations to the museum. We’re sure Josiah Wedgwood, founder of the Wedgwood pottery company in 1759, shares that sentiment.
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Historic images of the Wedgwood company.
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