Museum Project

Grange Site Aerial Annotated

We’re planning some big changes to the Grange!

We have a grand vision, and we want your help to shape our plans.

Our Vision For 2025

By the 200th anniversary of Clarks in 2025, we will be managing a successful new family-friendly museum on the Grange site, complementing the existing archive and research facilities.

Visitors can explore galleries linked to local history and the development of the footwear industry in the area and beyond, told through the objects and archives in the Trust’s collections and borrowed from other institutions.

They can rest in a café serving locally and ethically sourced food and drink, take home a souvenir or local craft from the gift shop, or make use of the children’s outdoor play area.

A team of local volunteers will support the professional staff to provide an enjoyable and informative experience for visitors to the museum and the community events held in the grounds throughout the year.

Education and participation are at the heart of what the charity does, and we will provide learning resources and outreach sessions tailored to a range of age groups, from toddler play, through formal education to adult craft sessions and reminiscence experiences in the community.

The Stories We Want Tell

We care for an enormous collection of over 100,000 objects and archives relating to the history of the Clarks, the shoemaking industry, the Clark family and the local area. Though planning is still at the early stages for the museum, we hope to be able to explore many fascinating stories with our collections including:

  • The history and heritage of the locality of Street
  • The rich history of Street’s shoe industry and its impact on the world
  • The science and innovation behind design, manufacture and retail
  • The role of footwear in social, political and economic life
  • The voices of the people who design, create, sell and wear shoes
  • The role of communities and individuals in the industry
  • The Clark family’s influence on social, political and economic developments

What Do You Want To See?

We’re excited about our vision but it’s still early days and we want to know what YOU would like us to do as well as see what you think of some of our ideas.

Keep Updated With Our Project!

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