A public campaign to save the National Media Museum in Bradford from possible closure is attracting wide support. The museum is under threat of closure if the comprehensive spending review on 26 June confirms expected further cuts to the Science Museum Group’s (SMG) annual funding.
The SMG is also responsible for the Science Museum in London, the National Railway Museum in York and the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. The Bradford museum, which holds over 3.5 million items of historical and cultural significance including the National Photography Collection and National Cinematogrphy Collection, attracts the fewest visitors of the four museums and is therefore the most vulnerable.
Last week, Ian Blatchford, head of the SMG, said that a ten per cent cut in funding would mean there would be “little choice other than to close one of our museums.”
A petition urging the Government to save the museum has attracted over 27,000 signatures so far and the campaign has attracted the support of stars such as the actor John Hurt and Michael Palin.
Speaking to Bradford’s Telegraph & Argus, Palin said: “As someone who has spent a lifetime both watching films and making them, it seems inconceivable that anyone should consider closing a facility with three superb screens, as well as a national photographic collection and displays which encourage youngsters to learn how the film and television industry works.”
The National Media Museum attracted 500,000 visitors in 2012. From 15-16 June it is celebrating its 30th birthday with a series of events. As part of the campaign to save the museum, a public meeting is taking place at Bradford City Hall tonight (11 June), at 6.30pm. All are welcome.
You can follow campaign news on Twitter @savenmem
To add your name to the petition to save the museum, visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-the-national-media-museum-bradford
