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Gordon Russell Trust  The Museum, located in the original grade II 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 First 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 correspondence, * A collection of Gordon Russell's original drawings and sketches, * Access to the firm's original reference library, Some material can only be viewed by appointment, please telephone prior to visit to avoid disappointment.
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From the Collections  The story of Au-Cassin and of Nicolette - A Medieval romance written, illuminated, and illustrated by Gordon Russell. completed in 1914 and bound by the eminent binder Kathrine Adams at the Edburgha Bindery in Broadway.
Gordon Russell's passion for calligraphy, whether written, carved in stone, or engraved on glass, was undoubtedly influenced by his father, who was himself a keen amateur calligrapher. Much of his work is in the museum's archive. Edward Johnston's book 'Writing and Illuminating and Lettering', fires his enthusiasm to greater heights, so much so that to quote:" I learned to cut goose quills, to write on paper and parchment in a formal hand, the use of colour and gold and so on. Beyond these practical matters, I learned how best to space and set out lettering, the use of margins and many other things. I had become aware of the beauty of the old inscriptions on tombstones, some of which I had copied patiently, but hitherto I had failed to analyse why they should seem to me so much better than most modern examples." The Museum has three of his books. They demonstrate the quite remarkable range of his interests and skills in the realm of design, craft and manufacturing. 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 2011 11am - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday (November-February) 11am - 5pm Tuesday to Sunday (March-October) Closed during January (open for group bookings by arrangement) Open 1st Feb 2011 Open Bank Holidays Admission Charges Adults - 4.00 Concessions - 3.50 Children under 16 - £1.00 Children under 12 free, but must be accompanied by an adult. >How to find us... |
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