The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust was delighted to welcome its Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales on Monday 17 September 2012. His Royal Highness met Trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters of the Museum and unveiled the newly conserved Boy and Swan Fountain at Coalbrookdale.
The Prince of Wales helped the Museum to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the development which created Enginuity, the Museum’s award-winning hands-on Design & Technology Centre and which also restored a number of historically important buildings at Coalbrookdale, the place internationally recognised as the Birthplace of Industry.
As part of the visit, a number of Trustees, volunteers and partners of the Museum were able to meet The Prince of Wales. Amongst the guests was Professor Mike Robinson, Chair of Cultural Heritage at the University of Birmingham and Director of the Ironbridge International Institute for Cultural Heritage who commented;
“A key part of the Institute’s mission is to draw global attention to Ironbridge, the treasures it holds, and the research undertaken which helps us makes sense of the past. A Royal visit such as this, reminds us all not only of the historical significance of items such as the Boy and Swan Fountain, but also its contemporary importance as a focus for education and research.”
Barrie Williams, Chairman of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust said:
“It is a very great privilege to welcome our Patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, back to Coalbrookdale in what is a very special year for the Trust. The visit was a great boost to all those associated with Ironbridge as we look ahead to our next major development, the new Museum of Iron. We remain deeply grateful for the support of so many organisations and supporters in the delivery of our charitable vision”.
For further details contact Paul Gossage, Director of Marketing at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust 01952 435900 www.ironbridge.org.uk
Ironbridge is supported by Arts Council England and by the Heritage Lottery Fund