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Glass museum fears closure over rising costs

Michael Perkins and Rumeana Jahangir
BBC News
BBC A man demonstrates how molten orange glass expands into a globe shape at the tip of a metal rod. He is wearing a dark shirt and is in a room with various metal tools placed around.BBC
Glassblowing demonstrations have proved popular with school tours and other visitors since the venue opened in 2000

Staff at a museum dedicated to a town's glass manufacturing history have said they fear rising costs mean they "won't be able to keep our doors open" after three months.

The free World of Glass venue in St Helens, Merseyside has been visited by more than a million people since opening in 2000.

Museum director Sarah Taylor told BBC Radio Merseyside: "It's just got a bit difficult lately - we are seeing rising costs with energy costs and staffing costs."

More than £10,000 has been donated to the venue, run by an independent charity, after it launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000 to help it remain open.

Ms Taylor said: "We're just in a position now where if we don't raise the money, we won't be able to keep our doors open in the next three months."

The museum recently reduced opening days to lower running costs and is now closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The local library, which is located at the venue, will remain open on those days.

Six visitors can be seen sitting down on benches around a demonstration by two workers. One man is showing the glass being expanded while the other person gives a talk.
The venue has drawn more than a million visitors since opening in 2000

Councillor Sue Murphy, cabinet member for culture at St Helens Borough Council, described the museum, which offers glassblowing demonstrations and school visits, as "a much-loved visitor attraction that plays a vital role in preserving and sharing our borough's rich industrial heritage".

She said that "now more than ever, while our town centre is undergoing transformative regeneration to restore its vibrancy and vitality, we sincerely hope they can find a sustainable path forward".

The council said the building receives 100% relief on its business rates and is supported by council officers' advice on external funding sources.

Portrait of Sarah Taylor smiling outside the museum's glass front, which has the World of Glass branding.
Museum director Sarah Taylor said they wanted the venue to remain open for another 25 years at least

Core funding for UK arts and cultural organisations fell by 18% between 2010 and 2023.

Ms Taylor said: "Despite the continued support from valued partners like St Helens Borough Council, the financial pressures we face as a charitable organisation have become unsustainable under current conditions.

"We've been in the centre of St Helens culture for the past 25 years and want to be around for the next 25 and beyond."

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