Collections & exhibitions
Changes to The Silk Museums' curatorial services 2024
We have an exciting and challenging year ahead and need to get a lot of work done to protect our collections. Our part-time Collections Officer is covering for our Curator's maternity leave, which means curatorial capacity is extremely limited.
Please note:
Over the coming year we will not be able to respond to:
Research visits
Collections' enquiries
Family history enquiries
Picture licensing requests
Offers of object donations
Loan requests
We recognise that this is disappointing news. We hope to return to normal curatorial services by 2025.
Endangered craft of silk weaving
Silk weaving has now joined the list of Endangered Heritage Craft Skills. Jacquard silk handweaving is a highly time-consuming skill to learn. The Silk Museum has secured funding from The Radcliffe Trust to work up a plan for the conservation of the looms alongside creative placements for emerging craftspeople. Read more about the work of our graduates and the history of female designers at the Mill.
The silk museum in 5 objects
How did Macclesfield become an international centre for silk production? Our story starts with the humble button. By the mid 19th century Macclesfield had become one of the key centres for the design, production and distribution of silk.
Ancient egypt in 5 objects
Why does Macclesfield have an Ancient Egyptian collection? Discover our historic links to Egypt and the remarkable female explorers who visited.
People of note
Who were the creative thinkers, philanthropists, designers and engineers behind our collections?
Online Exhibition: Menswear
Through work funded by the Costume Society, volunteer Emily has uncovered stories of wear, tear and repair hidden within the menswear collection.