New director for Gawthorpe Textiles Collection

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection has a new director at the helm and she has an impressive portfolio of charity experience.

Linda Drury is a highly experienced charity, finance and project manager who has held senior positions with both regional and national charities.

She became aware of the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection whilst studying for a City and Guilds in embroidery and when the position for director was announced, she decided to apply.

Linda said: “I was immediately drawn to the history of the collection and was full of admiration for Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth’s passion to preserve traditional craft skills and to share knowledge, skills and expertise across cultures. 

“I was delighted to hear that I had been accepted for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Now, settled into the role, I am finding out new things about the collection every single day and it is truly fascinating.

“There are some 30,000 items within the collection from around the world and each piece plays an important role in unpicking the heritage of embroidery and textiles. Many are intricate pieces created by Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth herself or collected as part of her avid learning journey.

“It really is a treasure trove of textile memorabilia and I am proud to be able to join the team in sharing these items with public as she would have wished.

“We have recently started work on a new, 18-month project called ‘Cherish the Past, Create for the Future’.

“Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project will build on Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth’s vision and help us to promote the collection as a centre of excellence for textile-based learning. 

Lord Charles Shuttleworth, chairman of trustees and the great nephew of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, said of Linda’s appointment: “We are delighted to welcome Linda as director of the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection.

“She brings a wealth of experience to the collection and I speak for all fellow trustees when I wish her every success in her new role.”

Prior to joining the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, Linda was head of operations with a national charity involved in refugee resettlement.

Before this, she worked with two federated charities to support their members in developing their strategic plans, diversifying their income, and growing their organisations.

Linda has a Business Degree, a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, and an MBA. She has also worked in community learning and is an experienced trainer.

Linda replaces former director Charlotte Steels, who is now cultural strategy manager for Burnley but pleased to be continuing to work with the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection as a trustee.