Gawthorpe Textile Collection is an internationally renowned collection of global textiles and craft, founded by the Honourable Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886–1967). Created to educate, inspire creativity, support wellbeing and preserve traditional craft skills, the Collection continues to support learning, research and creative practice today.
As an accredited museum and independent registered charity, we care for more than 30,000 objects, making us one of the largest textile collections in the UK and the only collection of our kind in Lancashire.
Our collections are used by researchers, artists, designers, students and community groups from across the UK and beyond.
The majority of the Collection is cared for in our secure stores and archive at Northlight, Brierfield, where objects can be accessed through pre-booked study visits and research appointments.
Alongside this, a changing programme of exhibitions at Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham showcases highlights from the Collection, offering visitors the opportunity to discover textiles, craft and stories from around the world in a historic setting.
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Study visits and research appointments at Northlight, Brierfield
Exhibitions at Gawthorpe Hall, Padiham
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Gawthorpe Textile Collection is the operating name of the independent registered charity The Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth Textile Collections (1182054), caring for a nationally and internationally significant collection of over 30,000 textiles and craft objects spanning five centuries.
As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to help care for the Collection, preserve textile heritage, and continue making the Collection accessible through exhibitions, workshops, study visits and learning programmes. There are many ways to support Gawthorpe Textile Collection, including one-off donations, monthly giving and sponsoring an object from the Collection.
Every contribution helps secure the future of this extraordinary Collection and the stories, skills and creativity it represents.
Find out more about how you can support Gawthorpe Textile Collection here or make a donation below.
