As you have seen from the national news, flood waters have engulfed the Ironbridge Gorge and central Ironbridge, as well as flooding our Museum of the Gorge in central Ironbridge and Coalport China Museum further along the River Severn. Flood waters have peaked at a record breaking level of 6.8m. We have been proud of be part of a community that has pulled together over a very difficult time and our thoughts are with those local families and businesses who have also been so badly impacted by the flooding. It has been heart-warming to see how residents, businesses, the local authorities and public services have all supported each other during these unprecedented flood levels.

The team at the museums have worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to save our buildings, nationally designated collections and other collections. Without their quick response and commitment, some of our collections may not have survived.

Unfortunately, there will be significant damage to the interior of the Museum of the Gorge and at Coalport China Museum. Flooding could last a few more days, and it is only when the flood waters recede that we can assess what damage has been done. We know that likely damage will probably cost in the region of quarter of a million pounds (£250,000)

Any donation, no matter what amount, would really help us with restoring both Museum of the Gorge and Coalport China Museum following the damage both historical sites have received. Thank you.