Opening up the pattern books

As Macclesfield’s silk mills closed down the pattern book archives were deposited with Macclesfield Museums, to ensure they were preserved for the next generation. This collection tells the story of the town’s silk making industry.

The collection consists mostly of large ledger books with samples of silk or silk designs pasted in.  They date from the mid 19^th to the mid 20^th century, from local manufacturers Langley and Brocklehurst Whiston. It’s very difficult to give the public access to them as they are difficult to display, very fragile and sensitive to light.

The forthcoming exhibition will be a unique opportunity to see these fabulous archives.  A number have been photographed and large scale images of them form part of the exhibition.  The museum has gathered together all of its available cases and put out as many of the books as possible – demonstrating the variety in the collection.

The exhibition will also show you how the designs are being made available to the fashion industry – allowing them to re-interpret the designs – and with students, to investigate the coding of cloth, with artists to re-imagine the patterns for the 21^st century. The museum is also seeking input about how visitors think they could use the pattern books in the future.

The exhibition runs from 5 February – 14 May 2016 at the Silk Museum, Macclesfield.

On Saturday 6 February there’s a workshop for 12-16 year olds with artist and designer Michelle Stephens.  She will be giving participants the opportunity to have a go at weaving and create their own woven sample to take away.  Telephone 01625 613210 to book a place, £6.50 per person.

On Saturday 5 March 10am-12noon the Collections Manager will also be retrieving more pattern books out of store to provide a rare glimpse of Macclesfield’s precious treasures.

www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk