IGMT supporting the museum sector
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust is a heritage conservation and education charity. Our museums are independent and we host departments which offer support and advice to other heritage organisations.
EXTERNAL BODIES PARTNERING WITH THE TRUST
Museum Development MIdlands
The Museum Development Midlands team supports museums through targeted development programmes, grants, training opportunities, advice, information and 1:1 support. Museum Development Midlands (MDM) is funded by Arts Council England (ACE), delivered in partnership by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and Leicestershire County Council. MDM is part of a national network of Museum Development providers across England. For more information contact enquiries@MDMidlands.org.uk or call 01952 435 900.
The Industrial Heritage Support Officcer
The Trust manages and hosts the Industrial Heritage Support Officer Project in partnership with the Association for Independent Museums and the Association for Industrial Archaeology. This England-wide project, funded by Historic England, was developed following concern that many publicly accessible industrial heritage sites were facing an uncertain future, and that smaller volunteer groups, in particular, needed better access to a source of focussed professional help beyond what was already available.
IGMT SUPPORTING OTHER ORGANISATIONS
Costume Project
The Costume Project team at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has been producing bespoke costumes for museums and heritage organisations since 2004. Our costume interpreters use historic sources and original patterns to inform their work, as well as carrying out research in our own archives and those of external collections. We can make direct copies of original garments from collections, portraits or photographs.
We make costumes designed for a wide range of interpretation methods. For a number of reasons original historic costume is difficult to display, so we produce replicas that can be exhibited in its place. We also produce costumes designed to be worn by your visitors, tried on by both children and adults, bringing history to life. And, of course, we have produced authentic costumes for demonstrating staff and performers, at our own Blists Hill Victorian Town and elsewhere.
Our past clients include the SS Great Britain, the Fashion Museum, National Trust Lanhydrock, Historic Royal Palaces and Tower Bridge. We work closely with clients to meet their individual requirements. If you would like more information, to discuss ideas, get a quote or talk about potential projects please email costume.project@ironbridge.org.uk. We are currently fully booked with commissions for 2025. Please get in contact with us in late November 2025 to discuss your needs for 2026.
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