Walsall Historian Blasts Council as 'Pitiful and Shocking' on Radio
A former site manager at Walsall's Leather Museum has launched a scathing attack on council leaders, labeling them as 'pitiful and shocking' during a live BBC Radio WM broadcast. Michael Glasson, who opened the museum in 1988 and managed it for three decades, made the comments on March 13, 2026, as the museum's closure looms.
Heritage Dispute Escalates
The controversy centers on the Leather Museum's impending closure on April 11, 2026, which will mark the end of the last remaining museum in Walsall, a borough with a population of 280,000. Council leader Councillor Mike Bird previously dismissed the Littleton Street West building as having 'no heritage at all', a statement that has sparked outrage.
In a significant development, Historic England recently designated the site as Grade II listed, recognizing its special architectural and heritage interest. The decision notice highlighted that the building 'illustrated Walsall's leather industry at its height'. Despite this, Councillor Bird maintained on radio that 'it's an old factory', dismissing the listing as merely an opinion.
Marketing Budget Cut to Zero
Mr. Glasson pointed to drastic funding cuts as a key factor in the museum's decline. He revealed that the marketing budget has been reduced to zero, compared to the £20,000 allocation during his tenure. 'If you buy a car and don't put petrol in the fuel tank, you're going to run out of steam,' he analogized, criticizing the council's commitment.
Walsall Council has defended its decision by citing falling visitor numbers, which have plateaued around 13,000 annually. However, Mr. Glasson argued that the lack of investment tells a damning story about the council's priorities. 'This is the last of six museums that Walsall had. A borough of 280,000 people and they can't run a single museum, it's pitiful,' he stated.
Relocation Plans and Feasibility Concerns
In response, the council has confirmed the purchase of 1-3 The Bridge in Walsall town centre for relocation. Councillor Bird assured that the majority of the ground floor will be dedicated to leather exhibits, with upper floors allocated for children's services. When questioned about timelines, he confidently asserted that the new site would be operational within the year.
However, a 2024 feasibility study for a 'Future Walsall Museum' estimated that such a project could take between five and 11 years to complete, raising questions about the council's optimistic timeline. The study, costing £47,500, was based on a different property, adding further uncertainty to the relocation plans.
Expertise vs. Political Opinion
Mr. Glasson challenged Councillor Bird's authority on heritage matters, asking, 'How come he's suddenly an authority on 19th Century industrial architecture?' He emphasized that Historic England assessors are among the most experienced architectural experts in the country, lending weight to the building's listed status.
The closure of the Leather Museum not only ends a cultural institution but also symbolizes a broader neglect of Walsall's industrial heritage. As the borough faces this cultural loss, the debate highlights tensions between political decision-making and expert conservation efforts.
