| Saddleworth Museum and Gallery | |
| Map Relief: | y |
| Established: | 1962 |
| Location: | Uppermill, Saddleworth, West Yorkshire, England |
| Coordinates: | 53.5468°N -2.0103°W |
| Founder: | Roger Tanner |
| Website: | https://www.saddleworthmuseum.co.uk/ |
The Saddleworth Museum is a local history museum in Uppermill, Saddleworth, West Yorkshire, England. Founded in 1962, the museum is housed in the remains of the 19th-century Victoria Mill and its collections showcase the history of Saddleworth.[1]
In 1959, Roger Tanner purchased the derelict Victoria Mill. With the help of volunteers, the mill's sole remaining building was transformed into a museum dedicated to preserving the heritage of Saddleworth. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1962.[2] Over the next two decades, the museum focused on expanding its collections, developing exhibits, and securing accreditation and charitable status. A board of trustees was formed to guide the museum's mission. In 1980, a successful public appeal campaign allowed the museum to expand and add a community gallery for art exhibitions and local events. This period also saw the museum establish partnerships with local organizations.[3]
By 2010, the museum faced significant challenges, including dwindling public funding and the increasing strain of maintaining its aging infrastructure. In response, the museum opened its own visitor information center and launched a fundraising campaign. A successful grant application to the National Heritage Lottery Fund in 2014 allowed for a major refurbishment project. The project included significant improvements to the building's exterior and interior, including creating a modern reception area, fully refurbished galleries with high-tech and interactive exhibits, and dedicated learning spaces for children.[4]
On 20 March 2020, in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum closed to the public.[5] It reopened on 22 May 2021[6] with an upgraded website and social media presence. The online platform allows the museum to reach a wider audience and offer virtual experiences, online shopping, and ticketing options.[5] Volunteers support the museum's operations, while the "Friends of the Saddleworth Museum and Gallery" group organizes fundraising events and membership programs.[7] [8] The museum remains financially sustainable through a combination of earned income (art gallery fees, admissions, shop sales, and educational programs) and public donations.