Leather museum campaigner to launch leather school in Walsall

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:48 · Archive

Lauren Broxton, who campaigned against the relocation of Walsall Leather Museum, plans to launch a leather school in the town.

Lauren Broxton, a leather fashion designer from Walsall, has announced plans to launch a leather school in the town after campaigning against the relocation of Walsall Leather Museum. She has been at the forefront of opposition since the museum relocation was first announced in October 2024, hosting protests, gathering petition signatures and rallying support from industry professionals including BBC Repair Shop star Suzie Fletcher.

Broxton has operated her business from part of the Grade II listed Victoria Corn Mills in Walsall town centre. After another tenant left the building, she took on the entire site. Her plans for the premises include a dedicated leather school, a shared workshop with specialist machinery, affordable studios and an exhibition space.

She said the new venture will be independent of the museum but will complement its offering. Broxton stated: 'Walsall has an extraordinary history in leather, and it's always been my ambition to create a place like this in the town to sit alongside my own brand. It will be a place where skills can be passed on, where people can learn, where new makers can establish themselves, and where contemporary leatherwork can thrive.' After 15 years in the leather industry and two years campaigning for the museum, she said she wants to ensure Walsall's industrial heritage 'has a future as well as a past'.

How it is being reported

• Campaigner’s bid to launch leather school after museum fightLauren wants to ensure Walsall’s industrial heritage ‘has a future as well as a past’BirminghamLive · 10 Oct, 07:30
• Walsall Leather Museum campaigner’s bid to launch leather school after relocation fightLauren Broxton said she ‘wants to help build what comes next’.Express & Star · 8 Oct, 14:16

In this story: Lauren Broxton · Walsall Leather Museum · Walsall · Victoria Corn Mills · BBC Repair Shop · Suzie Fletcher

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