A collective of local textile artists are displaying their work in a free exhibition opening in the Dye House at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings from this Saturday. The exhibition, ‘A Stitch in Time’ will be open daily until Sunday 25 June and celebrates the historic Flaxmill site, the Shropshire Union Canal and the history of Shropshire. Contributors include Shrewsbury Textile and Creative Stitch Group (STACS), Wendy Riddick Textile Group and the Flaxmill Maltings’s volunteer Clothing Club.
The exhibition also includes a chance to see within it the touring exhibition ‘Making Millie’, curated by Scottish group Journeys in Design In Mind. “Millie” was a historic nickname for female textile mill workers and the exhibition features dozens of dolls made from a design printed on a tea towel. The dolls have been made by sewing enthusiasts from around the
world who have decorated their own Millie uniquely, forming a troupe of dolls alike yet different.
Eighteen of the Millies will be returning to Shrewsbury following appearances in previous exhibitions in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Shrewsbury dolls were based on individual workers at the Flaxmill in Ditherington in the nineteenth century, meticulously researched and with very different fortunes and stories.
A series of talks will provide more information on the history and techniques of the work exhibited, and there will be demonstrations of textile handicrafts.
Exhibition curator Wendy Riddick said: “It is very exciting and a great privilege to be back in the Dye House exhibiting textiles produced by so many talented local women. Over many years teaching I have enjoyed great friendships, sharing my passion for art and textiles. We also warmly welcome the return of our Millies along with their many new friends.”
Entry to the exhibition is free and a ticket for The Mill exhibition isn’t required. The Exhibition is open 10am to 4pm from Saturday 10 June to Sunday 25 June.
The talks itinerary can be found at: www.shrewsburyflaxmillmaltings.org.uk/whats-on/
The History of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings re-opened in September 2022, following a £28 million, eight-year restoration programme.
Known as the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, the Main Mill structure paved the way for modern-day buildings such as London’s Shard, New York’s Empire State Building and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa
Following the site’s beginnings as a flax mill and major local employer for the area from 1797-1886, it was repurposed into a modern maltings, which operated from 1897 to 1987, converting grain into malt for brewing, whisky making and vinegar production. The site was also used as a temporary army barracks during the Second World War.
The site has been sustainably restored by Historic England in partnership with Shropshire Council and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership via its Growth Deal with Government and Shropshire Council.
