BRIDPORT museum wants to find people to help it identify a new collection of rope and net making machinery as part of its redevelopment plans.

The aim to rebuild the machines and display them in the refurbished museum so visitors can really see how rope and net were made.

Curator Emily Hicks said: “People may have heard that we have entered an exciting phase of re-development which has come about as a result of a bequest from the Sanctuary family of the contents of their museum which was formerly located at Uploders.

“Part of that bequest consisted of some rope and net machinery which had been dismantled and is now in pieces.

“The problem we have is that none of us have any knowledge of this machinery and we know that there are people in Bridport who have spent a life-time in the industry and who have both knowledge and expertise that would help us.”

The museum is inviting anyone with experience or knowledge of the industry to come in for a informal afternoon chat over coffee to help staff identify the machines and their uses as well as share their stories.

To find out more, or if you think you would like to get involved, give the collections manager a ring on 01308 458703 or e-mail collections@bridportmuseum.co.uk.

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