Helmshore Mills Museum Leaders to Share Insights on Major Textile Heritage Initiative
Lancashire's storied industrial past is poised to capture the spotlight as two prominent figures from Helmshore Mills Textile Museum offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into a significant new preservation effort. Philip Butler, the curator of industry and technology, and Becky Brown, the project officer and assistant curator for Unlocking Collections, will introduce themselves and detail the ongoing work at this historic site. Their presentation promises a rare window into safeguarding the region's legacy and shaping the future of its most important textile artifacts.
Unlocking Collections: Cottoning On Project Details
Unlocking Collections: Cottoning On is an initiative funded by the Arts Council, aimed at reviewing and rationalizing the Designated Lancashire Textile Industry collection housed on the top floor of Whitaker Mill. A dedicated team of volunteers is currently being recruited and trained to support this process. This marks the first comprehensive review of the storage room, involving an item-by-item assessment of approximately 4,000 objects. The project is designed to enhance storage conditions, improve documentation, and ensure long-term care for the collection, thereby preserving Lancashire's textile heritage for generations to come.
Event Information and Logistics
The illustrated talk will take place at Longholme Methodist Chapel, located on Bacup Road in Rawtenstall, just past the Queens Arms Hotel. It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, at 7:30 PM. Admission is free, and all members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Free parking is available by passing the chapel and turning first left, making it convenient for visitors from Bacup, Rawtenstall, Haslingden, and beyond.
