The Brontë Parsonage Museum enters the Designated Collection Scheme

The Designation Scheme is an initiative of the Arts Council England. Since 1997 has identified the best collections held in museums, libraries and archives across England. And now, the Brontë Parsonage Museum has become the 155th Designated Collection in England.

As we can read on the Brontë Society website:

The Brontë Parsonage Museum has become the 155th Designated Collection in England, celebrating the outstanding compilation of items belonging to and created by the Brontë family found in their family home in Haworth, Yorkshire. The only museum awarded designation by Arts Council England [ACE] this year, the scheme celebrates the richness and diversity of collections across England’s regions.

Rebecca Yorke, Director of the Brontë Parsonage Museum, said: “The Brontë Society was founded in 1893 with the purpose of establishing a museum to promote interest in the life and works of the Brontë family.  Since then, our collections of Brontë manuscripts, furniture, clothing and personal possessions – the largest in the world – have continued to fascinate and inspire generations of visitors.  We are pleased beyond measure by Arts Council England’s decision to designate our collection as Outstanding, and believe our founders of 130 years ago would have felt just as proud of this achievement as we do today.” (...)

Ann Dinsdale, Principal Curator adds: “The Museum’s collection is a great scholarly resource, offering fascinating insights into the Brontës as writers. It also includes many of the family’s personal treasures, which remind us, in a profoundly moving way, of the Brontës as ordinary human beings. After working with this wonderful collection for many years, I’m thrilled to see its importance recognised in this way.” (...)

Dr Nick Merriman, Chair of the Designation Panel, said: “The Designation Scheme plays a critical role in raising the profile of nationally and internationally significant collections throughout England. We hope this spotlight safeguards them for the enjoyment and enrichment of many generations to come. I’m delighted that the scheme is recognising the outstanding importance of the Brontë Parsonage Museum collection. Popular interest in the Brontës is growing, and this is reflected in recent acquisitions and use of the collection.”

Museums Association also covers the news.