exhibitions
The people of paradise Mill
Wed 16th Oct - Sat 16th Nov
This exhibition has been curated by the History Hunters, a friendly group of volunteers who meet weekly at the Silk Museum to help uncover the hidden stories within the archives and collections of the Silk Museum and Paradise Mill.
Looking at all types of source materials from catalogue books and account registers, to machine parts and textiles, this exhibition focuses on the people of Paradise Mill and occupier Cartwright and Sheldon.
It also includes a display of artistic interpretations created by the History Hunters of the people and stories that have inspired them.
(History Hunters meet at the Silk Museum every Thursday afternoon from 1 - 3 pm. If you are interested in finding out more about them and volunteering for the museum please contact info@silkmacclesfield.org.uk)
BANNERS FOR MACCLESFIELD
Made by Macclesfield ArtSpace (Open October & November 2024)
The theme for the 2014 Barnaby Festival was “Industry” and it was decided to create a triptych of banners in the style of those traditionally paraded by trade unions. The three banners show local landmarks, the Silk Industry and many of the town’s colourful characters of the past. During Barnaby Festival of 2014 the banners were displayed in St Michael’s Church and paraded in the carnival procession. Since then they have been exhibited individually in a number of locations around the town. They are now on display in the Silk Museum.
Those who carried out the intricate work included:-
Karen Ainsworth, Pam Anderson, Patty Callaghan, Lynn Corbishley, Heather Delany, Beverley Dooley, Ailsa Holland, Lilli Holland, Susan Kay, Rosemary Kenny, Glen Lea, Jill Maguire, Andy Napier, Stephanie Ramage, Gail Smith, Jacqui Snowball, and students from All Hallows RC High School.
A further banner was produced called Hidden Loss. This banner is also on display. The project was led by Jill Maguire and was produced in commemoration of WW1.
PROJECT INC - STUDENT INSTALLATION
Coming soon to the Machine Gallery
In this work made by the students of Pinc College, we have picked out an extravagant piece of machinery from within the museum to create a collaborative artwork with the Silk Museum.
One of our students has photographed the silk loom to which we have printed out on a large scale and divided up into 24 equal squares. The students have been tasked to choose a square to trace and transfer to a tetra pack, where they would etch and carve out the key factors of their chosen image. Some doing more squares than others.
The process we used is called ‘intaglio’. After the etchings were complete, they were then printed onto paper where we would arrange them all back together to create the overall image.
Unfortunately, upon seeing them all together, we realised that the overall image lacked coherency, it wasn’t clear to see how it all lined up. As a solution, we photographed each square and lined them up together digitally using a software called ‘Procreate’, making sure the image was decipherable for all who saw.
We were discussing the best possible ways to present the work when the thought came to mind, given the fact that this was to be presented in the silk museum, why not have it presented on a silk banner?
And so we all picked out a silk we thought was best suited for the final outcome and sent out a request for it to be printed Thus giving us the work you see before you right now.
By Abbie Massey
Petrykivka alice in wonderland
ArtValeria (December 2024)
Valeria Leonova (ArtValeria) is an artist and children’s book illustrator with 10 years experience and more than 80 illustrated books for authors all over the world. In this festive season she presents her vision of Alice in Wonderland (her favorite children’s book) illustrations with some details made in Ukrainian folk art style called Petrykivka. Petrykivka was included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013 and is very popular in Ukraine.
Magical and whimsical will bring joy to children and adults.
NEW CHILDRENSWEAR DISPLAY
Open now
A new display at Silk Museum reveals previously unseen garments from the childrenswear collection, which are on display for the first time.
The collection features items such as christening gowns and dresses, which have been donated to the museum over the years for them to care for – conserving clothing from as far back as the Victorian era.
It is part of a project to document and check the condition of the items in the collection and share them with museum visitors. It has been supported by a grant from the AIM and Arts Scholars Charitable Trust Brighter Day scheme.
Around 280 items have been meticulously checked and photographed by curator Emily Lashford, who is also highlighting the way that clothes were repaired and re-used in the past.
The clothing, including Edwardian sailor suits, will be displayed around the Silk Museum amongst the collections. There will be displays amongst the industrial machinery. This follows consultation with the museum’s younger visitors.
Emily held a workshop with children and young people who gave their thoughts about how they like to experience objects in the museum. Popular feedback was about interacting with objects and being able to touch things.
Emily says: “We’re obviously not able to have lots of little hands on silk dresses, but we have taken all this on board and have created a dressing up station and a panel where we display samples of fabrics. We have also got examples from the era such as facsimile copies of a Victorian school book. Hopefully, these will allow children of all ages to be able to engage more with the collections.”
Image:Geoff Findlow with the first ever Macclesfield FC team image.Celebrating 150 years of Football in Macclesfield
A new display in the Silk Museum
We have kicked off football season with a new display relating to Macclesfield’s football history, with a particular focus on Macclesfield Town FC. Many of the items have come from a private collector, Geoff Findlow, alongside relevant objects from the museum’s own collection.
Come and explore the origins of football in Macclesfield, learn about the history and significance of Macclesfield FC as it is known today and what it means to be a fan. Discover more about Macclesfield’s footballing heroes, the development of the women’s game locally, and the connections between football and silk.
The display is being funded through a partnership including Geoff Findlow and his former colleague Rob Bickerton, who was once Chair of Macclesfield Town FC.
What’s on
The Silk Museum hosts a changing programme of exhibitions and workshops all year round. From guided walks around Macclesfield to family activities we run workshops for all abilities and ages.
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