Gawthorpe Textile Collection unveils new premises at Northlight

By We Love Creative

24 Apr 2024

DSCF9834.jpg.jpg

Trustees, staff and supporters of the Gawthorpe Textile Collection gathered to celebrate the grand opening of its new premises at Northlight.

The Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire, Amanda Parker JP, carried out the official ribbon cutting as notable guests, including local MPs Antony Higginbotham and Andrew Stephenson, the Mayor of Pendle Councillor Brian Newman, representatives from UCLan, Burnley College and Nelson and Colne College and a wealth of business owners, all gathered to commemorate the next significant milestone in the history of the collection.

In a heartfelt address to guests, chairman of trustees, Lord Charles Shuttleworth, expressed his own deep gratitude to all who contributed to the successful relocation of over 30,000 priceless textile items. 

Director Linda Drury, curator Rachel Midgley, assistant curator Rachel Terry, and dedicated volunteers were praised for their tireless efforts in making this transition possible.

Originally curated by the visionary Hon Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, the Gawthorpe Textile Collection holds a rich heritage deeply rooted in north-east Lancashire. 

It is now cared for by a board of trustees, who, inspired by Rachel's enduring motto, "Cherish the past, adorn the present, create for the future," are committed to carrying on her admirable community and educational work.

Lord Shuttleworth said: “The collection was previously housed in Gawthorpe Hall, where we faced challenges in maintaining adequate storage conditions. The decision to relocate to the Northlight was driven by a commitment to preserve and protect these invaluable treasures for future generations.

“Northlight is a former cotton mill and holds a wealth of historical significance within the area, so we felt it was the perfect new home.

“With ample space and improved accessibility, the new location promises to enhance public engagement and educational outreach initiatives.”

Looking ahead, Lord Shuttleworth outlined ambitious plans to broaden access to the collection and further its educational mission. 

However, financial constraints pose a significant challenge in meeting this end goal, prompting a call to action for support from the community.

In a beacon of hope, Lord Shuttleworth announced that the Trustees have received an offer to match donations up to a total of £60,000.

This initiative aims to sustain the collection's operations while paving the way for long-term financial sustainability.

Director Linda Drury said: “As the Gawthorpe Textile Collection embarks on this new chapter, we are looking to support from the community to help safeguard and nurture this cultural gem. 

“Together, we can uphold Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth's legacy and ensure that the collection continues to inspire, educate, and enrich lives for generations to come.”

After the formal speeches and ribbon cutting, guests were invited to take a tour of the collection stores led by curator Rachel Midgley.

For more information on how to support the Gawthorpe Textile Collection, or to organise a visit please contact Linda Drury at [email protected].

Latest news

1

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway Alan McBride Muse Will Town Defence Infrastructure Organisation Jennifer Chard Defence Business Services Cllr Lynn Williams Blackpool Council Garry Bowker Vinci

Construction begins on new Civil Service office building in Talbot Gateway

20 May 2025

2

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities Skiddle cheque presentation to Alder Hey Hospital

Skiddle raises over £750,000 for charities

20 May 2025

3

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion The site

Former Victorian Hotel approved for residential conversion

19 May 2025

4

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing Oliver Webber, Tracy Clavell-Bate and Tim Webber from Barnfield Group with Cllr Phil Riley, second from right, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council

REVOLUTION PARK: Work starts on Darwen’s new home of advanced manufacturing

19 May 2025

5

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025 Mark Long

Two Cuckoo Gins named winners in The Gin Guide Awards 2025

19 May 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200pxtrident 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May
Freelancer Meet-Up May.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: May

society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar
LBV Hub Seminars
22 May 2025 - 22 May 2025

Amber River True Bearing quarterly investment seminar

Cottons Hotel & Spa , Knutsford, WA16 0SU

16:00 - 18:00

Liverpool Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-881365363-4862066883-1-original.20241023-085714.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
23 May 2025 - 23 May 2025

Liverpool Business Expo 2025

Aintree Racecourse , Liverpool , L9 5AS

09:00 - 15:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29
Artboard 15.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
29 May 2025 - 29 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 29

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV122 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin