Ironbridge Gorge Museums join TopLots

In October 2007 the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Shropshire will be participating in TopLots, the first online eBay auction of its kind when the UK’s museums, galleries and heritage attractions will be putting unique experiences and ‘behind the scenes’ activities up for grabs by the highest bidder.

Around 200 lots featuring a whole range of experiences from the UK’s extraordinarily diverse heritage sector will be available on eBay from 1 October for one month only. Museums large and small, historic houses and heritage properties from all regions are participating. Privileged access, exclusive experiences, and unique memories to treasure will be on offer – ideal gifts for enthusiasts with a passion for their subjects and unusual corporate events and family outings.

The Ironbridge Gorge Museum has put forward three lots offering the highest bidders a day with a blacksmith or archaeologist discovering fascinating facts about our history and heritage crafts, or the chance to acquire a ‘new’ and trimmer figure.

If the blacksmith’s ironworking skills have held a fascination for you, the first lot might be worth a bid. The winner will join a small group at Blists Hill Victorian Town for a behind the scenes tour of the unique ironworks and learn some basic skills; by the end of the day you will have made a poker and decorative leaf. Lunch with a blacksmith is included.

Next there’s a chance to join a real archaeological excavation for a day and have a go at digging, sampling, recording and surveying finds. You will also spend time in the archaeology store seeing how new and old finds are used to piece together the past.

The final lot offers a ‘new figure’ without the trauma of cosmetic surgery or dieting, but with a body shaping corset. The winner will spend the morning with a costume curator finding out about ladies’ undergarments and corsets, which have been in existence for hundred of years. After being inspired by archive resources they will be measured for their very own magnificent bespoke corset. Afterwards they can spend the day visiting the ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums. Approximately 2 months later the final garment will arrive at your front door.

To take part register on Toplots.co.uk and start browsing the growing list of lots; you will also need to set up an eBay account (if you haven’t already got one) at Ebay.co.uk. Then log on to Ebay.co.uk/toplots regularly during October - individual lots will be on for ten days only, so you’ll need to keep checking to avoid missing any.

The TopLots heritage auction is run in partnership between eBay, the Association for Independent Museums and UK heritage fundraising specialists, Development Partners, working closely with VisitBritain and EnjoyEngland. The aim is to generate vital new funds for the participating museums, galleries and heritage properties – all not-for-profit organisations. Thanks to eBay for Charity the money generated by the bids will be put straight back, less a small administration charge.

For further information about the Ironbridge Gorge Museums visit Ironbridge.org.uk.