The £17 million Museum of Making is set to open on 19th September 2020 and, to increase fundraising during the potentially lucrative Christmas period, Derby Museums is offering the public an opportunity to have their name or that of a friend or relative permanently displayed in the museum’s entrance hall in perpetuity.

Being touted by the institution as a “unique gift opportunity”, the museum’s Mark Your Mark plaques are available to sponsor in both large and small sizes, with all proceeds being invested in work undertaken at all Derby Museums sites. The organisation also runs the city’s Museum and Art Gallery and Pickford’s House.


Breaking new ground

Learnings from the Museum of Making’s construction will play a pivotal role in the success or failure of Integrated Project Insurance model. Derby Museums was the first cultural organisation to utilise the government-backed approach.


“We are delighted to be able to offer people the opportunity to make their mark on the building in this unique way,” Tony Butler, executive director at Derby Museums, noted. “In these days of sometimes excessive consumerism, we are pleased to offer this unusual gift that will support the makers of tomorrow through the work of the new museum.

“So far, over 1000 people have been involved in making the new Museum of Making, ensuring that the Silk Mill – a site of global significance – will be protected and enhanced for future generations to enjoy.”

Museum of Making
Small and large 'Mark Your Mark' plaques will permanently be on show in the Museum of Making's entrance hall © Derby Museums

Each donation will also be doubled with match funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. When gift aid is also factored in, a donation of £250 becomes £625 at no extra cost to the sponsor.

“National Lottery Heritage Fund is delighted that its endowment funding to the Museum of Making will match fund any donations that are made, either as a unique Christmas gift or at any other time of the year,” Anne Jenkins, National Lottery Heritage Fund’s director of England, midlands and east, said.

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