Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is an internationally renowned collection of global textiles located in the heart of Pennine Lancashire.
Founded by the Honourable Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886-1967), the collection was amassed to educate, inspire creativity, support wellbeing and preserve traditional craft skills. The Collection is now an accredited museum and independent registered charity with a collection of over 30,000 items, making it one of the largest textile collections in the UK and the only collection of its kind in Lancashire. The majority of the collection is available to view and study by appointment only, but a selection of items can be seen on display at Gawthorpe Hall.
News
We have just published several new events on our Eventbrite page for January to June 2026. If you're looking for a way to see some of the amazing textiles in our collection these events are the ideal way to do it; whether you opt for our online talks, where you can see highlights from the collection from the comfort of your own home, or choose to visit us in person. They also make great Christmas presents for anyone you know who shares a love of textiles. We have three online talks running in January and early February that repeat some of our most popular talks from the last few years. In March there are store tours giving you a chance to see behind the scenes and get a sneak peek at some of the items that will be going on display in our galleries at Gawthorpe Hall in 2026. And if you want the chance to spend time looking at beautiful textiles in person we have two study visits - a full day session focusing on patchwork and quilting as well as a half day session exploring costume accessories. You can book tickets for them all via our Eventbrite page here.
Get your copy of the new biography celebrating the life and work of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth
Remembering Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth on her birthday - 17 February.
We're proud to announce the forthcoming publication of a new biography of our founder, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth.
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Support Us
Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is registered charity The Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth Textile Collections (No.1182054) and we wouldn't exist without the generous donations which help us to continue to care for and use our heritage collection for public benefit. Each year we need to raise a minimum of £100,000 to carry out our work. We welcome individual, group and corporate donations, as well as people taking part in fundraising activities or organising events.
As a small local charity, we make sure that our administration costs are kept low so you can be sure that as much of your donation as possible goes towards our charitable work. Even as little as just £3 a month (or 10p a day) makes a big difference in helping us to continue caring for the collection.
Find out more about the ways that you can support us, or make a donation using the button below.
