Staff at the world-famous Bronte Parsonage in Haworth could lose their jobs as the charity behind it highlights the financial impact of coronavirus.
The museum reopened to the public last week following the longest period of closure in its 92-year history. The Parsonage was home to the Bronte sisters and their family in the 19th Century and was where novels such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights were written.
An online fundraising appeal has already seen pledges of more than £34,000 - towards a target of £100,000.
But the charity says being closed during the busy spring and summer season had a 'devastating financial impact', since more than 70% of its income comes from admissions, events and retail. It's expecting the recovery to be slow and forecasts a significant reduction in visitor numbers and therefore income in 2021.
The Bronte Society says it's making use of available support, such as the government's furlough scheme, and has been given a grant from the Arts Council England's Emergency Response Fund. Additional income has been raised via a fundraising campaign, a digital events programme and a membership drive.
But it warns that for the Bronte Parsonage Museum to survive, the charity needs to significantly cut costs further.
"It is with great reluctance that we have therefore notified our staff of our intention to enter a period of consultation with them, which may lead to redundancies," the organisation said in a statement.
Trish Gurney, Chair of the Brontë Society Board of Trustees, said: “We are very sad to be in this position, but difficult decisions are now necessary in order for the charity to survive. Our staff are experienced, talented and dedicated individuals who care deeply about our collections and sharing the Bronte legacy, and we are committed to supporting them during this painful and distressing time.
"We would like to thank everyone who has supported us during recent months by becoming a member of the Society, purchasing from our online shop or donating to our Just Giving campaign. We are determined to overcome the challenges of the immediate and longer-term future so that our world-class collections can continue to inspire generations of visitors and audiences.”
You can support the Just Giving campaign here - and visit bronte.org.uk to find out more about the charity and the Bronte Parsonage.
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