What's On
Upcoming Events
Our venue at Northlight in Brierfield has a dedicated studio space where we can run workshops, study visits, talks and more.
Here you'll see a preview of our upcoming events and you can always find the full list of available events and book tickets by visiting our Eventbrite page using the button below.
The best way to stay up to date with our event announcements is to follow us on Eventbrite,
join our mailing list or follow our social media accounts.
Workshop: Pattern & Stitch with Jane McKeating
Inspired by pieced work and stitched bandanas in Gawthorpe Textiles Collection, the workshop will focus on the reuse of patterned fabrics with simple hand stitch techniques. Explore how fabrics are pieced and stitched over, transforming them in creative and individual ways. The workshop will look at both abstract patternmaking and figurative detail to suit participants interests.
Jane is a fulltime artist who previously spent 20 years leading the BA(Hons) Embroidery programme, and 10 years as Associate Head of Design at Manchester School of Art.
Saturday 28 June 2025, 10am-4pm
Workshop: Goldwork Bee with Annie Lancaster
Join us for a day of glorious goldwork embroidery with tutor Annie Lancaster. The workshop will start with a chance to see historic examples of goldwork from the collection followed by chance to have a got at creating your own piece of goldwork embroidery.
Annie is a textile artist based in Elland, West Yorkshire. She is a designer-maker specialising in hand embroidery. Annie’s particular passion is goldwork, a technique which she has practised and taught for many years. She also runs the Halifax Minster Broderers, restoring and conserving ecclesiastical textiles, and designing and making new work.
Friday 4th July 2025, 10am-4pm
Workshop: Bayeux Stitch with Tanya Bentham
Join specialist in Medieval Embroidery Tanya Bentham and learn Bayeux Stitch or laid and couched work. This is a fun, relatively quick embroidery technique used throughout the middle ages. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone interested in textiles and stitching.
Tanya works entirely with medieval images, materials, and textile techniques, but adds a modern twist. She is author of Opus Anglicanum (2021), Bayeux Stitch (2022) and Naughty Medieval Embroidery (2024) published by Crowood Press.
Saturday 12 July 2025, 10am-4pm
Study Day: Vintage Fashion 1920 - 1960
This in-person study day will give you a chance to study examples of garments and accessories from our collection, up close and in detail. From sparkling beaded dresses of the 1920s to crisp silk 1950s cocktail and party dresses we'll look at the evolving styles across four decades of fashion history. We will also look at examples of lingerie and accessories many with stunning decorations in embroidery, beadwork or lace.
You will have the chance to get up close to the items so you can really enjoy every detail of their design and construction. The study visit will be guided by our Curator who will talk you though the items, pointing out design and construction details that are not to be missed and answering questions.
Saturday 2 August 2025, 10am-3:30pm
Study Day: Victorian Textiles
This in-person study day will take you on a journey through the textiles of the Victorian era. We will be studying examples of embroidery such as canvas work and beadwork, patchwork, dressmaking, lace and more.
Using original antique textiles from our collection, we will give you the chance to get up close to the items so you can enjoy and appreciate every detail. The study visit will be guided by our Curator who will talk you though the items, pointing out design and construction details not to be missed and answering questions throughout the day.
This is a fantastic opportunity to spend time with some textiles that are not normally on display, learn something new and meet other people who share an interest in antique textiles and crafts.
Saturday 6 September 2025, 10am-3:30pm
