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Gordon Russell Trust  The Museum, located in the original grade 2 listed workshop, celebrates the work of the renowned 20th century furniture designer, Sir Gordon Russell MC, and that of his Company over a period of sixty years in Broadway, Worcestershire.
Following Sir Gordon's experiences during the 1st World War, he returned determined to create work of lasting quality for future generations. Throughout his life he was greatly influenced by the Arts & Crafts Movement, but also recognised the role the machine could play, given it was properly managed, in reaching wider markets. Over the years, the firm he founded grew to employ over 200 highly skilled craftsmen in the Broadway workshops. Sir Gordon went on to become engaged in a National role as chairman of the design panel controlling the Utility Furniture programme throughout the 2nd World War. Subsequently he played a major part in the The Festival of Britain 1951 Exhibition before being appointed the director of the Design Council, promoting British Industry and Design worldwide. The firm became recognised both nationally and internationally as a major contributor to 20th century design. The Museum features - * 1,000 of Sir Gordon's original design drawings, including furniture, metalwork and glassware, * 1,000 photographs, design notebooks and catalogues covering the entire history of the Company, * A unique collection of furniture embracing the Arts & Crafts, machine production, 30's modernism, radio cabinet production, domestic and contract furniture spanning in all 60 years, * Filmed interviews with Sir Gordon and others who worked for the firm as designers and craftsmen, * The individual work of the many designers who worked 'in house' or as consultants. * A wide ranging education programme aimed at primary schools, secondary schools and colleges, * Facilities for `in depth` research by students, scholars, and those with specialised interests. * A collection of Gordon Russell's letters from the 1st world War and other correspondance, * A collection of Gordon Russell's original drawings and sketches, * Access to the firm's original reference library, This information can only be viewed by oppointment, please ring front desk through contact telephone number.
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Objects of Interest from the Museum Archives  Silver Button's designed by Gordon Russell in 1912 for the uniform of the Head Porter at the Lygon Arms. Made by George Hart, Silversmith, Chipping Camden.
In this extract from Gordon's Auto-biography,Designer's Trade , he comments on his designing at this period:-"I was always going off at a tangent and designing the most improbable things, with the complete assurance of youth. Among such I remember one or two oak beds, a napkin ring in silver, a few letterheads and some buttons for the head porter at the Lygon. These were of silver, made by George Hart, with the Lygon coat-of-arms, two lions passant with forked tails, chased upon them. When old Chubb who had been head porter at the Lygon for years died, my father who was fond of him, cut the buttons off his coat and had them sewn onto his own dressing jacket, to my great astonishment and delight" Contact us  Contact Us Through The Administrator
Gordon Russell Museum, 15 Russell Square, Broadway, Worcs. WR12 7AP Tel: 01386 854695 website - www.gordonrussellmuseum.org email - grussellmuseum@btconnect.com Visitor information Opening Times 2010 Open November - February 11 am - 4 pm Tuesday through to Sunday Open March - October 11 am - 5 pm Tuesday through to Sunday Closed every Monday (except Bank Holidays) From 2009 onwards the Museum will be closed during January, (open for group bookings by arrangement during this period.) Admission Charges From 1 April 2010 Adults - £3.50 Concessions - 3.00 Children under 16 - £1.00 Children under 12 free, but must be accompanied by an adult. >How to find us... Acknowledgement  |
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