THE first temporary exhibition gallery at the Museum of Carpet will commemorate the impact of the First World War within Kidderminster.

Running between Saturday, October 25 and Friday, December 19, the In The Firing Line exhibition will feature displays on how the war was reported back to the town’s residents through The Shuttle.

Jodie Edwards, museum manager, said: “It is very fitting that our first exhibition is one that explores the impact of the First World War on the people of Kidderminster - both at home and on the Front Lines.

“During the war, the paper carried letters and poems written by soldiers and their families in its weekly column, In the Firing Line, so it was a fitting title for our exhibition.

“It’s important that local people know the vital role played by The Shuttle as it provided the townsfolk with up-to-date information as to what was happening.”

The museum will explore how the conflict affected the town’s carpet making industry and will be looking at how the trade changed – as many of the Kidderminster firms produced blankets and other textiles for the armed forces as demand for floor covering declined.

The exhibition will also look into how the war affected the carpet magnates and their families.

Visitors will be able to listen to transcripts of letters from soldiers as well as view a small selection of First World War army uniforms which will be on display, alongside numerous items loaned to the museum by members of the public.

A hand knotted loom has been set up for visitors to take part in creating a poppy design which was taken from an inspiration sheet rescued from one of the town’s factories before it closed.

The completed rug will form a centrepiece of the exhibition.

A programme of talks, run by the Kidderminster and District Archaeological Society, has also been scheduled to coincide with the exhibition.

The first talk, Going into the Firing Line, will focus on the call to arms and how the town responded, while others will focus on what happened to the carpet industry and how the lives of the town’s residents were disrupted by the war.

A range of children’s activities will also be held, including the chance to make embroidered postcards, poppy and medal making, and letter writing.

The children’s area of the museum will be made into a bunker for the duration of the exhibition and there will be a range of clothes and props relating to the war for children to dress up with.

For more information visit museumofcarpet.org

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TALKS AND EVENTS

Focus Talk 1: Going Into the Firing Line! Friday, November 7 – 10.30am - 12.30pm

How many of Kidderminster’s men responded to their country’s need and joined the armed services? Did they willingly enlist or were they conscripted? And how were the wounded cared for in Kidderminster?

First World War Study Day : Life on Kidderminster’s Home Front Saturday, November 15 – 10.30am - 5.30pm

‘Life on Kidderminster’s Home Front’ offers the opportunity to discover more about the First World War and the impact it had on Kidderminster and the local community. A programme of talks by Sally Dickson will be followed by a private viewing of In the Firing Line with both Sally and exhibition curator, Jodie Edwards.

Focus Talk 2: Weaving for the War Effort Friday, November 21 – 10.30am - 12.30pm

Many of Kidderminster’s carpet firms produced blankets and other textiles for the armed forces during the war. What did this involve? Who produced them? What happened to the carpets?

Focus Talk 3: The Carpet Magnates ‘Do Their Bit’ Friday, December 5 – 10.30am - 12.30pm

How did Kidderminster’s carpet magnates and their families respond the needs of war? Reginald Brinton, Michael Tomkinson, Peter Adam, W.H. Stewart-Smith, Herbert Smith, and George Anton; these were the men who ran Kidderminster and they and their families took prominent roles in the town’s war effort outside of the carpet factories.

Focus Talk 4: Work and Worry – Family Life Disrupted Friday December 12 – 10.30am - 12.30pm

This was ‘total war’ affecting everyone from richest to poorest. How were Kidderminster families affected? How did they cope? From worrying about loved ones to working in the munitions factories and coping with shortages, the families left at home had a lot to contend with. Was it all bad?

Focus Talks cost £5 per talk, all 4 Focus Talks cost £17.50, the Study Day costs £25 (lunch is not included) and the Study Day and all 4 Focus Talks can be booked for £40.

All prices include entry to the museum and light refreshments.

Prior booking is essential. To secure your place call the museum on 01562 69028 or speak to a member of staff.