Weaving Futures
If you missed the in person event, this recording allows you to catch up on an insightful conversation about the endangered craft of silk weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill, and their passionate Silk Weavers who are keeping it alive.
Shannon Bye, Heritage Weaving Manager and Be Agnew, Trainee Weaver Tackler, share their stories with Steve Owens, Ambassador at the Mill.
They reveal what drives them to preserve this tradition.
They also discuss the challenges of keeping this craft alive, including the diminishing skill base, supply chain, and customers.
They explain how the Mill is playing a vital role in preserving this craft and how it can provide a valuable resource for the next generation of makers.
This is a rare opportunity to learn about the potential of these skills to offer new commercial opportunities for the Mill.
By raising awareness of this dying craft, they can preserve a piece of history for future generations and support these local artisans.
This thought-provoking talk, part of their ‘Weaving Futures’ programming celebrates the craft of silk weaving at Whitchurch Silk Mill.Â
THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT, LINK WILL BE ISSUED ON PURCHASE.Â
In aid of Living Weaving Heritage at the Mill.
Registered Charity (No. 900621)
WHITCHURCH SILK MILL
Whitchurch Silk Mill was built on land owned by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester Cathedral.
The land was held by copyhold tenure (an old form of leasehold), which could be passed on to heirs or sold to a new copyholder.
The Mill opened in 1990 as a working museum, under the management of Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust, to ensure the survival of winding and weaving using traditional machinery and methods.
Their creel, which looks like an upturned boat hull, is thought to be the only surviving example of its type still in use today.
Along with the warping mill, it is thought to be over 130 years old.
Their weaving shed’s historic layout was designed to fit a large number of looms in a small space, to increase productivity and reduce running costs.
The power looms were manufactured between the 1890s and 1960s. It can take at least three weeks to thread up a loom before weaving can begin.
The weaving itself is a relatively quick process; it is possible to weave five metres of plain silk taffeta a day.
Riverside Café
Treat yourself to something tasty from the Riverside Café in the Welcome Building.
If you’re seeking a morning coffee, light bite for lunch or a tasty treat, they have a seasonal menu to suit.
The café is accessible for disabled visitors and families, with seating both indoors and outside.
You do not need to pay admission to visit the café.
Opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays, 10.30am-5pm.
Last orders are at 4.30pm.
Their shop can be found in the Welcome Building, conveniently close to the car parks.
It’s a beautiful contemporary space to browse.
Discover exclusive, seasonal ranges and items created from silk woven on their historic machinery, as well as products related to their events and exhibitions.
After exploring the Mill take a stroll around their gardens, and enjoy stunning views of the River Test.
The land on which the Mill is built is known as Frog Island, but no one knows how it got this name.Â
Ask at the shop for their Nature Trail and look out for the colourful markers around the gardens.
Why not do some wildlife spotting?
The ducks are always friendly and the river is full of fish and other river creatures to discover.
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