Press Release: Valerie writes to Public Bodies to Support Walsall Leather Museum

Walsall Council Cabinet decided on 24 September 2025 to sell Walsall Leather Museum to Walsall College. Despite it being ‘called-in’, the Council confirmed their decision on 14 October 2025 against the wishes of constituents.

I have written to the National Trust, Historic England, and Arts Council England, urging them to intervene and save Walsall Leather Museum.

The National Trust has worked with local campaigners in Birmingham to keep Moseley Road Baths open and secure a National Lottery Heritage Fund enterprise grant for The Roundhouse. They have also recently taken over the running of museums in Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge. I have asked for a meeting with the Director-General on the possibility of the National Trust taking over the running or acquiring the Leather Museum.

Many have pointed out that the building itself is the Leather Museum, as it is housed in a red-brick former leather goods factory that was built in 1895. I wrote to Historic England, requesting that they consider listing the building as at least a Grade 2 building of special interest.

Arts Council England has designated the Leather Museum as an ‘Accredited Museum’. In my letter to the Chief Executive of Arts Council England I asked what conversations have been had with Walsall Council, whether any alternative options were presented to Arts Council England, and whether they have made any independent assessment of the viability of the Leather Museum.

Throughout this campaign, people have contacted me with their accounts of how the Leather Museum inspired their careers and creativity. We need to preserve this historic cultural landmark as a source of inspiration for future generations.