Review: Taylors Bellfoundry Museum & Factory Tour
- Paul Baker
- Dec 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 12
Museums are wonderfully diverse. Some are deeply embedded in their communities, offering valued services to a broad audience. Others, situated in high-traffic tourist areas, cater to visitors seeking entertainment or inspiration. Then there are those off the beaten track—hidden in residential streets—where survival depends on having a truly unique offering, transforming them into “bucket list” destinations. These are the museums that capture public imagination, the ones you hope to visit at least once in your lifetime.
Taylors Bellfoundry Museum, tucked away on a side street in a somewhat deprived part of the East Midlands, will need to establish itself as one of these destinations to thrive. With little to no passing footfall, limited space for community events, and a subject matter that may not immediately entice a general audience, it faces significant challenges. Fortunately, it offers a compelling reason for visitors to go out of their way to experience it.
A Unique Industrial Heritage Experience
Taylors Bellfoundry is the last remaining bell foundry in the UK, and it is still in operation. This makes its visitor experience unique—an opportunity to witness the traditional craft of bell-making firsthand. However, the very thing that makes it special also presents challenges. A working factory must balance production with public access, and the coexistence of guided tours alongside active manufacturing is a delicate dance. The charitable trust that runs the museum and the foundry itself share a symbiotic relationship, and seeing how they navigate this dynamic is fascinating.
Following a £5 million investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the site recently reopened to the public. Much of this funding appears to have been allocated to structural improvements, ensuring the long-term preservation of the building. A new exhibition space, introductory video, and retail area have also been introduced.
The Exhibition: A Taster, Not the Main Course
The exhibition, though small, is visually appealing and has a contemporary feel. However, it leans towards a more traditional interpretive approach, relying heavily on text panels and images rather than interactive elements. Given that bell-making is a highly sensory process, this felt like a missed opportunity. A hands-on element—particularly for younger visitors—would have enhanced the experience.
I was also surprised that there were limited opportunities to hear, let alone play, bells. Surely, for an exhibition about musical instruments, sound should play a central role? This is something that could be relatively easily addressed with additional funding, perhaps through Museum Development Midlands (MDM). The introductory video also requires some refinement, particularly in its use of music, which some visitors might find distracting.
Ordinarily, these issues would significantly impact a museum review. However, the real highlight of Taylors Bellfoundry isn’t the exhibition—it’s the tour. Any shortcomings in the gallery space are quickly forgotten once you step into the heart of the foundry itself.
The Factory Tour: A Masterclass in Authenticity
As a sector, we often strive to create authentic experiences, but Taylors Bellfoundry has this in abundance. There is something undeniably magical about the sound of bells. They mark moments of celebration, remembrance, and ritual; they evoke nostalgia and tradition. The fact that Taylors has cast over 25,000 bells, heard in more than 100 countries, is astonishing.
The industrial process of turning molten metal, wood, and rope into a precisely tuned instrument is mesmerising. The tour unfolds like a story, with each stage of production revealing itself gradually. Unlike many industrial heritage sites, where processes are explained rather than demonstrated, here you witness real craftsmanship in action. The most captivating part for me was the tuning process, where cutting-edge digital technology is used to ensure that each bell harmonises perfectly with others.
If I had one minor criticism, it would be the tour’s length—at two hours, with no breaks or seating, it could be physically demanding for some visitors. However, this is a logistical issue that could likely be resolved.
Retail & Revenue Challenges
Another point worth mentioning is the shop. Given its location, the museum does not benefit from passing trade, and the industrial setting does little to signal the presence of an inviting retail space. This is a shame because the shop itself is thoughtfully curated, with well-selected merchandise and a range of memorabilia. There is a real opportunity here to develop a more extensive product range, particularly for specialist audiences such as bell ringers. With a little strategic focus, the shop could become a strong revenue stream, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.
Final Thoughts
The lack of a café or dedicated spaces for temporary exhibitions and events is unfortunate but understandable given the site’s operational constraints. Despite these limitations, Taylors Bellfoundry is undoubtedly a place worth visiting. The fact that their bells resonate from landmarks like York Minster and St Paul’s Cathedral is a testament to the foundry’s enduring legacy.
While it may not be a museum I return to regularly, it absolutely deserves a spot on every heritage enthusiast’s bucket list. The experience is raw, immersive, and genuinely fascinating. If you’re looking for an encounter with living history, this is one not to miss.
If you haven’t already, take a moment to read my recent announcement regarding the future of Nick Winterbotham’s strategic planning programme. You’ll also find a collection of short reads on a range of topics over on my blog.
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Paul Baker
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