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

Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant Barnfield team on new Kerakoll site

Kerakoll UK and Barnfield Construction sign contract to build new Preston plant

27 Jun 2025

2

Scout Moor II meteorological mast gets the green light Cubico

Scout Moor II meteorological mast gets the green light

26 Jun 2025

3

Breck acquires 21-acre Ravenhead Brickworks site for 300 new homes Ravenhead

Breck acquires 21-acre Ravenhead Brickworks site for 300 new homes

26 Jun 2025

4

Conlon marks Employee Ownership Day with family fun celebration, ushering in a new era after 60 years in business Conlon celebrating its first EOT Day with family at Ribby Hall Village

Conlon marks Employee Ownership Day with family fun celebration, ushering in a new era after 60 years in business

26 Jun 2025

5

Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub announces Skills Bootcamps partnership with Northcoders Northcoders skills support

Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub announces Skills Bootcamps partnership with Northcoders

26 Jun 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
LBV123 July/August Launch Event
Lancashire Business View magazine launch
Networking
16 Jul 2025

LBV123 July/August Launch Event

Burnley

08:30 - 10:30

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

Business Bike Club – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
01 Jul 2025 - 01 Jul 2025

Business Bike Club – July

Various, Lancaster, LA

08:00 - 09:30

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July
Chamber Logo1.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
02 Jul 2025 - 02 Jul 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – July

St John's Hospice, Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA2 6ST

08:00 - 10:00

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Jul 2025 - 04 Jul 2025

The Marketing Metrics that Matter – July 4

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

08:30 - 11:00

Chamber Summer BBQ
LBV Hub Social
17 Jul 2025 - 17 Jul 2025

Chamber Summer BBQ

The Borough, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

17:30 - 20:00

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?
July Longer Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Web3 is Dead. Or is It?

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

North West Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880456273-4862066883-1-original.20241022-105445.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
24 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025

North West Business Expo 2025

Bolton Stadium Hotel, Bolton, BL6 6SF

09:00 - 15:00

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