Gordon Russell Museum

The work of Sir Gordon Russell and that of his company is recognised nationally and internationally as the leading contributor to 20th Century design. The creation of the Gordon Russell Centre brings together a unique collection of furniture and archival records spanning the history of the company from 1920 - 1986.

For those with an interest in craftsmanship and design, the centre will reach a wide-ranging audience - the public, schools, college students and researchers. It will enable them to study the development of a small workshop dedicated to handwork but evolving gradually through a blend of hand and machine production to a large scale manufacturing company, committed throughout its history to the very highest standard of quality and design.

The widespread influence of the innovative and popular work of Sir Gordon Russell and his company during the 20th Century can be likened, at its inception, to the Arts and Crafts movement founded by William Morris in the 19th Century, whilst progressing through to modernism and large scale production. The fundamental principles established by Sir Gordon continue to apply to today's designers. Like Morris, Sir Gordon Russell was a meticulous designer, who understood and promoted the importance of quality in design and making. The Company achieved international acceptance and was respected by designers from around the world.

Today, the Gordon Russell Centre will be able to continue this passion for quality in design by providing a centre for excellence where present and future designers can gain a valuable insight into the works of Sir Gordon Russell and the motivations and inspirations behind the vision.

The Centre will be run by the Gordon Russell Trust, which was set up in 1983 to preserve and recognise the major contribution of Sir Gordon Russell and that of his company to 20th Century furniture and product designs. The factory and offices at Broadway, Worcestershire were demolished in 2003 for housing but the Trust approached the local Council concerning the original workshop dating back to 1926. This was declared a listed building, and, therefore, protected from demolition. The Council own the building but will lease it to the Trust.