Gordon Russell Trust
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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.
Gordon Russell Entrance Sign
Office Sign
The Gordon Russell sign seen above the entrance to the former showrooms in Broadway High St. was designed in 1934 by Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe.

This modernist sign was made in chromed steel tube, and featured the name of the firm, acid etched on plate glass with strip lighting to top and bottom. The sign forms part of the Gordon Russell collection and may be seen in the museum.

Sir Geoffery Jellicoe was both an architect and a landscape architect, and together with his partner, Russell Page, was responsible in 1936 for the master plan for Sir Gordon's garden at Kingcombe, situated above Chipping Camden.

As an architect he was responsible for workshop buildings, including the factory manufacturing Murphy radio cabinets at Park Royal, London, and in 1936 the firm's avant-garde showrooms in Wigmore St. London.

Sir Geoffrey's long distinguished career embraced many major landscape projects, including the John F Kennedy Memorial Garden at Runnymede in Surrey, and the Water Garden in Hemel Hempsted. He was a founder member of the Institute of Landscape Architects.

Sir Geoffery died aged 95, in 1996.
POLISHED THOUGHTS - FROM CONCEPT TO CRAFT
Aviator desk by Ben Croft

Exhibiting Excellence: Contemporary British Furniture

10 March 2012 - 30 June 2012

The Gordon Russell Design Museum presents a show of award winning contemporary furniture to be opened by the avant garde British furniture design/maker Fred Baier on 9 March 2012

Established in 2009 the annual Gordon Russell/Rycotewood prize, sponsored by Hans of Wycombe, celebrates the continuing legacy of Gordon Russell.

Richard Paice, Chairman of the Trustees of the Gordon Russell Design Museum said: "The combination of clear design thinking and exceptional craftsmanship would have appealed to Gordon Russell's vision of the fusion of hand and machine. These peices on show are exemplars of quality design and knowledge of materials"

Located just off the High street in the Cotswolds town of Broadway, the Gordon Russell Design Museum illustrates the work and influance of the renown furniture designer Sir Gordon Russell (1892-1980). Sir Terence Conran believes that 'Gordon Russell's multi-faceted life should be an inspiration to everybody'
Contact us
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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 2012
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 2012


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...
Links
>Court Barn