THE porcelain museum in Worcester has received a lottery 'lifeline' grant of more than £45,000 to help recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Museum of Royal Worcester has received £45,800 of National Lottery support to help address the impact of Covid-19.

The museum in Severn Street, which opens to the public again on July 16, presents the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world, together with the factory and design archive.

The world-class collection tells the stories of the people who made and enjoyed these extraordinary objects, celebrating the colourful history of 250 years of ceramic design, local skill and innovation.

Museum Director Sophie Heath said: “Since the Covid-19 lockdown began we know that people have been missing visiting us in person.

"We’ve been working hard throughout to share our visual riches and stories in new ways, such as making our illustrated audio-guide available online. Staff, trustees, volunteers and supporters have been sharing their #FavouriteObject of Worcester porcelain and what it means to them."

Sir Michael Perry GBE, chairman of trustees at the museum, said: “Thanks to the National Lottery and its players we can now plan to re-open the doors in July. Staff are busy preparing social distancing and hygiene measures and can’t wait to get back to welcoming visitors. We’re grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund is supporting us at this crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us and others who are passionate about sustaining heritage for the benefit of all.”

The funding, made possible by National Lottery players, was awarded through The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Emergency Fund. £50million has been made available to provide emergency funding for those most in need across the heritage sector. The UK-wide fund will address both immediate emergency actions and help organisations to start thinking about recovery.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Heritage has an essential role to play in making communities better places to live, supporting economic regeneration and benefitting our personal wellbeing.

"All of these things are going to be even more important as we emerge from this current crisis."