Spring 2012 - Dress and Textile Specialists

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Trowbridge Museum Textile and Weaving Festival 2011 -
Museum Assistant
Sarah Jane Kenyon,
Trowbridge Museum is housed in Salter’s Mill and is a Grade 11 listed
building, which was constructed 1850. The Museum is also incorporated into
The Shires Shopping Centre which along with the Museum opened in 1990.
The Museum is the only Museum in the West Country with comprehensive
displays telling the story of the once dominant, but now vanished West
Country woolen cloth industry.
In its heyday, Trowbridge’s success in textile production was such that it
became known as the ‘Manchester of the West’.
(copyright Trowbridge Museum)
Textile and Weaving Festival aims:
• To highlight the historic impact that weaving
and textile production had on Trowbridge.
• Raise awareness of current weaving and work
of contemporary textile artists.
• Bring more of the public into contact with
Trowbridge’s rich textile history.
(copyright Trowbridge Museum)
Community involvement: Partnerships were developed with the community of Trowbridge.
• Wiltshire College.
• Fabric Magic.
• Trowbridge Library.
• Bath Spa University.
Budget: The project was generously sponsored by:
Wiltshire Council Museums Project Fund, Bath Spa University, Wiltshire College, Fabric Magic and
Trowbridge Town Council. Total cost £1,200
The festival included a fabulous programme of free events:
6 Exhibitions.
2 Lectures.
A guided historic weaving walk.
Various Spinning demonstrations from the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers at
Trowbridge Library and Trowbridge Museum.
‘The Big Weave’– visitors has the opportunity to take part in producing cloth.
Events during Heritage Open Days to highlight the wealth of heritage the museum has to
offer.
A selection of fun children’s activities, including a weaving with words poetry workshop.
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