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.
Study Visit: Samplers
This study visit will give you the opportunity to examine some of the samplers from our collection up close. In this session we will observe the evolving style of samplers used to either record or display fancy work and embroidery and we will also explore plain work samplers used to learn and show off construction and finishing techniques.
The session will be guided by the collection's Curator who will talk you through each set of objects and point out interesting details about them such as the motifs, stitches and threads being used.
Saturday 5th September 2026, 10am - 1pm
Online Talk: Objects With A Story
Join us for an online talk focusing on objects in our collection that have a real story to tell. Many pieces have been donated to our collection because they were much loved items with a sentimental or poignant story attached to them.
Throughout this talk we will look at an eclectic mix of objects that each offer a brief glimpse into the lives of the people associated with them.
Tuesday 8th September 2026, 7pm
Workshop: Embroidered Shoes
Get creative stitching your own unique shoes, inspired by Chinese embroidered shoes, in this fun, hands-on embroidery session. Taking inspiration from embroidered Chinese shoes in the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection you will be shown how to embroider a pair of pastel canvas trainers.
At the start of the workshop you will have the chance to view some of the shoes in the collection including the blue satin embroidered slippers that the workshop is based on. We will be using simple embroidery stitches to recreate beautiful imagery of lotus flowers, waterlilies and butterflies. The tutor will demonstrate the process, taking you through the activity stage by stage. At the end of the workshop you will be able to take away your shoes and embroidery threads to finish at home.
Saturday 19th September 2026, 10am - 3pm
Talk and Film Screening: The Legacy of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth
On the afternoon of Saturday September 19th Sally Figgins will be showing a short film and giving a talk about the Gawthorpe Textiles collection and her great Aunt - Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth.
The tickets are very limited as we will be at Hare Hill the stunning venue near Cartmel, by kind permission of the Lambtons. (If you have not been there the view alone is worth a visit! )
We will be serving a boxed afternoon tea and a glass of fizz.
Saturday 19th September 2026, 3pm - 5pm
Study Visit: Trimmings & Embellishments
This study visit with Gawthorpe Textile Collection curator Rachel Midgley will give you the opportunity to examine some of the embellishments and trims appearing on clothing and accessories in our collection. We will look at applied embellishments and trimmings such as passementrie and beading as well as fabric trimmings like bindings, ruffles and flounces.
The session will be guided by the collection's Curator who will talk you through each set of objects and point out interesting details about the techniques and materials used to decorate them. If you are interested in historical embellishment and trim this is a great chance to get to see some original historic pieces up close, learn more about them and meet other people who share your interest.
Saturday 3rd October 2026, 10am - 1pm
