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Yesterday we took to the streets to protest against the council's decision to close Walsall's Leather Museum (again!). Council leader, Mike Bird (seen telling a campaigner to "shut up" HERE), has claimed that the museum, housed within a Victorian leather factory, is not financially viable and that the council can no longer afford the running costs so, in their infinite wisdom, have purchased a derelict building at the cost of £745,000 in which to rehome the collection. Unlike the current premises, the former shop has no revelance to the leather industry, the council will need to spend even more money to fit it out and it may take up to TEN years before it opens to the public.
If Mike Bird has his way, in less than a fortnight's time, Walsall's last remaining heritage asset will be gone.
In a campaign spearheaded by local fashion designer, leatherworker and absolute legend, Lauren Broxton, two hundred concerned residents met in the shadow of the statue of Sister Dora (another Walsall legend) and after rousting speeches by, amongst others, Lauren and our brilliant MP, the Rt Hon. Valerie Vaz who has succeeded in getting the building a Grade II Listed status (although a reform councillor tried to take the credit - and yesterday was conspicious by his absence) , we marched up Park Street to the sound of Billy Bragg's There is Power In A Union and, emulating the women of Greenham Common, joined hands and formed a human chain around the Leather Museum.
You might be able to spot Jon, Liz, Al and me HERE
This is what I wore for an afternoon of hail, wind, sunshine and rain followed by a few hours in Wetherspoons. A 1970s Louis Caring maxi dress, a vintage suede coat and an Aldo wool fedora bought from a charity shop 12 years ago.
@vixbrearley #50andovertiktok #1970saethetic #vintageclothing ♬ Power To The People - Ultimate Mix - John Lennon
The previous day (Friday) we went for our third swim of the week. We're getting used to the new baths although we still haven't found the showers!
My TikTok gang keep asking about my jewellery so I filmed it.
@vixbrearley #jewellery #vintageclothing #1970saethetic #50andovertiktok #maximalist @All About Audrey ♬ Rooms on Fire - Stevie Nicks
I found this cotton All About Audrey kaftan on Vinted last year for £4. Although I've worn it around the house, Friday was the first time I'd ventured outside in it. I think these "Goddess" dresses are designed for women with substantial bosoms as the hem dips at the front on those of us less well blessed. It took a lot of swearing before I managed to cut and hem it so it hung right but it was worth the effort! They're the perfect effortlessly dressing dress.
On Thursday, after a visit from Liz, we walked into town as I needed a few bits and pieces although I came home without the main thing I wanted, some gel insoles for my new-to-me Missoni X Converse ( I really ought to write a list!) Needless to say, we popped into the charity shops as we'd not been in them for days due to the swiming pool being out of action and, of course, everyone wanted to know where we'd been all week!
I wore the wool Bus Stop maxi skirt I'd bought from Vinted a couple of weeks ago along with my Ayesha Davar cheesecloth blouse and the Kuchi pendant I'd recently bought.
@vixbrearley #1970saethetic #vintageclothing #vintage #50andovertiktok ♬ All Along the Watchtower - Bob Dylan
On Wednesday, this idiot will have been living with us for three years. Look at his milk beard!
He's such a lap cat, he absolutely loves his fuss.
Today (Sunday) might be the first day of Spring but it feels anything but. I was excited to see the bluebells starting to pop up when I walked down to the compost heap earlier.
There's signs of growth on the apple tree, too.
And it's always a joy to see the forsythia.
The poor magnolia got a right old battering with Wednesday's hail and high winds.
But luckily, we've got another one in a gorgeous dusky pink.
It felt like a day for jeans, the Free People "Jayde" flares I bought from Vinted , teamed with a 1970s Indian cotton blouse (Vinted, 2024) and the Jesus Saves belt (made by the Baron Brass Buckle company in the 1970s).
This weekend we've been watching Russian Doll, an insane black comedy starring the mesmerising Natasha Lyonne who plays a video game designer who keeps dying on her 36th birthday only to find herself reicarnated at the same party, destined to relive her death day in all of its glorious varierties again and again and again. Oh.my.god....it is so f**king good!
See you soon!
It's snowing again!!! This winter will never end.
ReplyDeleteI love a Magnolia. The city I grew up in had a beauty on one of the main streets. My Mum bought a shrub for $1.49 about 55 years ago and planted it in the front garden. It was supposed to be a Magnolia bush. I drove by the old house about ten years ago and it was a huge tree that was beautiful. Not a bad investment.
I loathe it when City Council's think they know best. Heritages are being destroyed around the world and when you protest it you are made to be the unreasonable one.
Birds are real, lol have you read the conspiracy theory on that one?
Goodness me, your Winter sounds very challenging, I hope the white stuff stops soon and you get to experience Spring!
DeleteThat's amazing about your mum's bargain Magnolia. They are really long-lived. I think ours were planted by my Grandpa when my grandparents (and Mum) moved to Walsall in 1952 so they're not doing too badly.
Our council are being very crafty by claiming that they've sold the Leather Museum premises to the collage to provide provision for SEND students. The college owns 11 acres of land in the town and the Victorian building with its uneven floors, narrow staircases and tiny windows would have to be demolished to make way for something more suitable for those with complex needs. It's a cynical act by the council who are trying to make out that those of us fighting to save the town's heritage are being selfish towards disadvantaged students.
I've just looked up the "birds aren't real" thing...oh my god, and just when I thought people couldn't get more stupid! xxx
Love the Power to the People movements but dang if the d$#@heads still make awful decisions. You look so good in jeans though I do a double take as so different in look. I'm working hard to get back into to my favorite pair, thrifted two years ago.
ReplyDeleteWe've got to keep on fighting! The listed buildings that have mysteriously burnt down in the night, the dodgy deals with property developers, the suspensions for the intimidation of fellow council members - Walsall is run more like the Mafia than a English borough council. Mike Bird is like our own Trump!
DeleteI'm quite enjoying my flirtation with jeans, something I've not worn in a long time! xxx
Envious of your magnolia trees! I will find Russian Doll on Netflix, sounds fun. Well done for defending your Leather Factory. It's so frustrating that little value is attached to the history and culture of our great country's industries, places like this need to be preserved for future generations to appreciate, it's part of who we are and where we have come from. Couldnt watch the video though as when I follow the link it says the video was removed. Your Tiktok videos are fun, I would have run out of things to wear in the first month! Your wardrobe must be like the Tardis! Betty
ReplyDeleteMagnolia trees are so pretty! My grandma used to make fake branches for decorating the house using twigs and those white polystyrene boxes you used to get eggs in back in the 1970s.
DeleteYes, our indutrial heritage needs to be fought for. Much as I love a stately home, we need to remember our working class history, the conditions our ancestors worked in and the products they produced which enabled the wealthy to build those grand houses. How will future generations ever take pride in our towns if they don't understand the past?
You will love Russian Doll and Natasha Lyonne's other series, Poker Face, they're so clever and well written and she's such a charismatic and beautiful person, two of the best Tv series I've ever seen!
I often wonder how long I could go before repeating the same outfit, I don't think I've got enough years left!!! xxx
I totally understand (and support) that you're fighting to keep your Museum working, defending your heritage, instead of wasting money in their 'projects' which nobody needs, instead of investing in real projects that are working now!- So annoying when local authorities only listen to Greed!
ReplyDeleteLooking fabulous in every outfit, dear Vix and totally inspiring too!. As the weather is still so wintery, all we need an extra push, so nothing better than watching your little videos and fantastic bijouterie!. That's totally making my day!
I'm loving that Bus Stop maxi, so cool, and that first dress which is particularly fabulous. And you rock your denim! and perfect soundtrack!
besos
(it's me, Mónica https://www.mrsallnut.com)
Hello Monica! It's all too easy to throw our hands up in the air and just moan about it being pointless and accept the inevitable, we have to exercise our right to protest and even if we fail at least we've tried our best. It is all about greed, backhanders and money, I sound ike a conspiracy theorist but sadly, all the information is in the public domain and its true.
DeleteI'm so glad you're enjoying my outfit videos, I felt very awkward doing them at first but I'm getting the hang of them now! This winter does seem endless, once the hour changes it feels cruel to have that extra daylight but weather too miserable to enjoy it. xxx
It’s so good to see people stand up for what they value! Our government, local and national, just don’t give a damn! I mean what they’re planning there doesn’t even sound like it makes financial sense??? I need a goddess dress, I get fed up of trying to squash my ample bosoms into things! I love that you have a Tik Tok gang, you’re so down with the kids xxx
ReplyDeleteIts an absolute nonesense, Louise! Spending £745,000 (not to mention the refit and the cost of storaging the collection which will probably double the outlay) to save £190,000 a year. I'd love to know who that overpriced derelict shop belonged to (probably a friend of the council!)
DeleteThose All About Audrey dresses are lovely - if a bit of a pain to hem when you're not very boob-y - keep your eyes peeled on Vinted, the cotton ones are particularly lovely! xxx
I'm livid about the Leather Museum. A similar thing has happened to the Carpet Museum in Kidderminster. We just can't have anything nice.
ReplyDeleteOur Council are developing our local council owned golf course, in spite of 83% of residents saying they wanted it kept as a nature reserve. (We have the lowest amount of green space in the borough.) Along with housing they are saying they are going to put in a so-called 'Eco Park'. In other words, they're going to chop down mature trees and shrubs and plant puny whips which will doubtless die from lack of aftercare. And the costly consultants report designing it estimates the cost to be nearly half a million pounds! Obviously it'll never happen, and the whole site will go for housing as they wanted all along.
Bus Stop was fabulous, and that maxi skirt is gorgeous. Vinted really is the best!
It's so lovely to see the forsythia out. Ours is in full bloom, and so cheering.
On a separate note, is your email still the goanmad one? Xx
Tell me about it, Annie! In 2024 Walsall Council paid £35,000 for two dog statues - in the same year as they raised council tax by 4.99% - and don't even get me started on the regeneration of the Saddler's Centre, moving the few shops remaining to attract restuarants and bars so the town becomes a go-to destination for nights out...we're officially the most deprived town in the UK....and knocking down two historical buildings so you can see the bus station from the train station...utter madness!
DeleteThat's shocking about the nature reserve vs the golf course and the "eco-park".
I was watching something on the TV the other day and they showed the opening credits for the Liver Birds, I'd forgoten it included a glimpse of Bus Stop in Liverpool city centre!
Yes, I'm still goanmad! xxx
Gosh, you are all having to work so hard to try and sav the Leather Museum aren't you. Keep up the fight, it really is worth it. I do not understand the logic of councils at all. I watch Russian Doll a few weeks ago in two sittings, it is absolutely wonderful. Ahh ... William, he took his time to settle fully in but he's obviously a real homebird (cat) now. xx
ReplyDeleteTell me about it, poor Lauren's absolutely exhausted! We have to do this, our town gets such a bad rep, we need the Leather Museum!!
DeleteI thought there was only one series of Russian Doll and was absolutely thrilled to discover another! Have you seen Poker Face, yet? It's a bit like a reimagining of Columbo starring Natasha Lyonne, she's equally brilliant in it.
Williams such a fuss pot, he's slumped across my lap as I type! Xxx
I so hope you manage to keep the Leather Museum open. Politicians come and go, but the museum should stay exactly where it is now.
ReplyDeleteYou look stunning in everything you wear. I'm really loving your jeans outfits at the moment. A great photo of you!
Andrea, I love your analogy if how politicians come and go but the museum should remain. Surely our leader would prefer his legacy to be someone who kept our town's proud history alive and not the man who sold it off to the highest bidder.
DeleteI loved jeans back in the early 2000s, it's fun to revisit them! Xxx
Thank you for helping the campaign to save the Leather Museum, such a wonderful and important part of Walsall history. I really hope you succeed. JanF
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan! The support seems to be going momentum, we've got parliamentary backing and a few well known faces in board now...fingers crossed!
DeleteYay! I noticed some early bluebells in the woods here, this week. It's still incredibly cold, however. The museum protest is admirable. I've just realised that I've never been part of an official protest. Xx
ReplyDeleteHi Jules! That wind cuts right through you, doesn't it? I love it when I look out of the window and the garden is a sea of blue.
DeleteFunnily enough, my first protest was the Anti Poll Tax one in London on 31st March, 1990...36 years ago today!!!
Good on you for marching
ReplyDeleteI was in London on Saturday on the March against the right - lots of energy and great anti Farage posters , but my knees are protesting now
Siobhan x
Hello Siobhan! The London march looked absolutely wonderful, several of my friends were with you and the footage I've seen shared on Facebook and TikTok put a huge smile on my face. Hope Not Hate! If you're on Facebook I recommend you join the Anti Reform page, so many intelligent, like-minded folk! Xxx
DeleteI just don't understand they want to lose the heritage!! Well done to you for using your right to protest. It's all about dodgy deals and greed, and no doubt at all! I hope the protests make a difference!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your outfis. I saw a nice Ayesha Davar dress on Vinted today. Was tempted!
I think Mike Bird is ashamed of our town's working class history (he's a Tory) and wants it eradicated. I'm hoping the momentum continues and he's forced to hold his hands up and admit he was wrong. we live in hope!
DeleteThere were two beautiful Ayesha Davar dresses on Vinted this week, a blue block printed cotton maxi dress and a red cheesecloth one, I was very tempted with both! xxx
I remember you protesting for the same cause some time ago. I wonder how it'll all turn out. X
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed for the Leather Museum. I dispair of local councils our has been massacring the trees and hedgerows and in nesting season for a road and extra river crossing that no one wants, it's just heartbreaking. I'm loving all your new purchases , I did have to chuckle about the All About Audrey dress being made for bigger boobs I'd never thought about that before because mine all do that at thr front too!
ReplyDeleteI hope the Leather Museum lives on!
ReplyDeleteThe movie sounds fascinating. Reminds me of one classic....What was it called?
Great purchases.
I was cheered to see you wearing suede to the Leather Museum protest, Vix! Well done on that! I enjoyed seeing all of your jewelry, and of course, your outfits are always gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHappy cat-day to your little snuggly-buddy!