Helmshore Mills and Queen Street Mill Textiles Museums
As part of an MLA funded Lancashire Museum audience development project, and working in partnership with consultant Emma Parsons, qualitative and observational research was conducted with existing and potential local visitors to these two outstanding heritage attractions. Pre- and post- visit focus groups explored visitor expectations and experiences of the two sites, as well as their perceptions, motivations and barriers. Observation revealed fresh insights into the quality and nature of the visitor interface with museum staff, exhibitions and interpretation. The results provided detailed recommendations on how to address barriers and drive motivation to encourage first-time/repeat visits from within the local community and enhance the visitor experience.