About us

The Silk Museum is the only silk museum in the north of England. Silk linked Macclesfield on the edge of the Peak District National Park to France, Italy, China and beyond. We are dedicated to telling the world of stories that began here. Explore our varied collection of pattern books, industrial machinery, textiles and artefacts from Ancient Egypt. Discover how they are linked by silk. Who are the fascinating people behind the collections?

Our Team

  • Emma Anderson - Director

  • Lucinda McKay - Operations

  • Katherine McInnes - Business

  • Natalie Lane - Education

  • Kathryn Warburton - Curator

  • Bryony Renshaw - Collections Officer

The Board

  • John Varney (Chair)

  • Hannah Williamson (Vice-Chair)

  • Roy Pownall

  • Phillip Cole

  • Nick Hynes

  • Jo Hayward

  • Michael Ward

  • Julie Griffiths

  • Cllr Lesley Smetham

  • Cllr Liz Braithwaite

  • Cllr Janet Jackson, MBE (Chair, The Friends)

Silk Heritage Trust

The Silk Heritage Trust was founded by passionate and committed local people, determined to preserve the heritage of Macclesfield for future generations. Please help us continue this vital work.

Our supporters

We would like to thank the organisations that support us. They include:

National Heritage Memorial Fund

Architectural Heritage Fund

Cheshire East Council

Friends of Macclesfield Silk Heritage

Art Fund

Arts Council England

Association of Industrial Archaeology

Association for Independent Museums

Museum Development North West

Current Vacancies

There are no current vacancies.