Visiting the Collection

There are several ways to explore Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, from booking a study visit or guided tour to joining one of our talks, workshops or special events.

Our work takes place across two locations:

• Northlight in Brierfield is home to our Collection stores, offices, and study and workshop space. Although it is not open for general admission, we warmly welcome individuals and groups through pre-booked study visits, guided tours and our programme of events.

• Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham is a historic house open to the public seasonally, where you can see a changing selection of objects from the Collection on display. The Hall is managed separately by Lancashire County Council.

Please check which location your visit or event is taking place at before travelling. You can find more information about visiting both locations below.

Visit the Collection at Northlight

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is based at Northlight, a redeveloped 19th-century textile mill in Brierfield, Lancashire. Our dedicated facilities include the Collection stores, offices, and a study and workshop space.

Northlight is open by prior appointment only. Individuals and groups can arrange a study visit or guided tour, while workshops, open days and other public events are held throughout the year.

Visit our What’s On page to see our current programme.

Study visits and guided tours

Study visits offer researchers, artists, students and anyone with an interest in textiles the opportunity to examine selected objects from the Collection more closely. We also offer curator-led guided visits for groups wishing to discover more about the Collection and the stories it holds.

Download our visit price list and details of the available options.

Download our visitor information sheet, including directions and guidance for your visit.

To discuss your interests or enquire about arranging a visit, email info@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk.

Talks

We offer a programme of talks about the Collection, which can be delivered in person at your venue or online.

Our talks explore subjects including the life and work of our founder, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, and areas of the Collection such as embroidery, patchwork, lace, costume and accessories. Daytime and evening bookings are available throughout the week, subject to staff availability.

Download our talks brochure for current topics, prices and booking information.

Recordings of selected previous talks are also available to purchase and watch through the Talks on Demand area of our online shop.

Finding Northlight

Gawthorpe Textiles Collection
Suite 226, Unit 2
Northlight House
Pendle Road
Brierfield
Lancashire
BB9 5FL

As BB9 5FL is a relatively new postcode, some satellite navigation systems may not direct you to the correct entrance. We recommend searching for Gawthorpe Textiles Collection on Google Maps, where our map pin marks the reception entrance.

You can also find the entrance using what3words: robots.roses.maybe.

Free parking is available next to the building.

If you're arriving by train to Brierfield train station, please find below a short video which shows the short walk from the train station to find us: