The world-famous Wedgwood Collection of art, pottery and writing in has been saved from auction.
A public appeal to go under the hammer to pay off the ceramics firm's pension bill.
Following four years of negotiations with creditors, Government ministers and national art organisations, administrators Bob Young and Steve Currie, from Begbies Traynor, have succeeded in securing the sale of the historic collection to national charity the Art Fund.
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The Wedgwood Museum, which features artefacts dating back 250 years, entered administration after owner Waterford Wedgwood Potteries went into liquidation.
This prompted the transfer of the company's £134m pension debt to the trust which in turn placed the future of the collection in doubt.
After years of meetings, Begbies Traynor has gained agreement from creditors for the sale of the collection to the Art Fund following the national art charity's successful Save Wedgwood Appeal.
The Art Fund will now "gift" the collection to the V&A Museum, which means that the 80,000 pieces valued at £15.74m will remain together under one roof, in Barlaston near Stoke-on-Trent, as an asset for the nation to enjoy.
Mr Young said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Art Fund has been able to raise the necessary funds in order to buy the Wedgwood Collection.
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"Throughout my handling of this case, I have been very aware of the importance of keeping the collection together due to its national, and even global, historic significance.
"The real heroes are the ordinary people and businesses across the country who have seen the value of preserving our heritage and dug deep to support the appeal."
The Art Fund has already secured £13 million in funding but had to raise the final £2.74 million by November 30 which is why the fundraising appeal was launched last month.
The museum has remained open throughout the four years of the administration but is scheduled to close for a short period over the new year as part of the redevelopment of the Wedgwood estate.
It is expected to reopen next spring and will form part of a new visitor centre being created by Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton.
The V&A will assume responsibility for the collection in perpetuity.