An exhibition showcasing textile designs from staff and students at the University of Bolton has opened at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery.
The collaborative exhibition features work from the BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design degree course.
The students and their tutors have used the museum’s historic textiles collection, held in the archives, as the starting point for their new creations.
The museum’s collections are a rich resource for understanding the experience of living in Bolton and the town’s identity, which for decades was closely linked with its position as one of the country’s leading textile producing towns.
A huge number of local people were involved in the spinning, weaving, bleaching and dyeing of cotton.
Sharon Halladay, who graduated last summer and has since done freelance work for the Alexander McQueen fashion house hand painting their designs onto their garments, will be showing some of her designs.
Graduating student Georgia Ragnall now works as a textile designer/illustrator for the company UK Greetings and she and current final year student Murron Fraser have produced designs for the Museum shop. Designs from both of them will be on display in the exhibition.
It is open to the public at the Museum and Art Gallery until Saturday, February 23. Admission is free.
There are also several workshops available to schools, colleges and community groups.
Cllr John Byrne, Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “Much of Bolton’s success was founded on the textile pioneers of the Industrial Revolution and it is fantastic to know that there is such talent in that discipline coming out of the University of Bolton.
“Bolton has a long, proud, tradition of skills and innovation in textile production and this exhibition shows that it is still well and truly alive today.”
Donna Claypool, Programme Leader of the BA (Hons) Textiles & Surface Design degree course at the University of Bolton, added: “Bolton Museum and Archives have offered myself, staff and students a huge opportunity to respond to their collections in textiles, bringing new life to images and artefacts hidden from view.
“Second year students from the BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design degree have used a range of techniques and processes including hand drawing, digital design, printed textiles, embroidery, laser cutting and non-wovens to create a series of products such as one-off gallery pieces, dresses, ceramics, chairs, scarves and fabric designs.
“We are proud to be part of the journey taken by the museum in the last couple of years.”
Sam Elliott, Collections Manager at Bolton Museum, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this wonderful exhibition which shows just how talented the staff and students are at the University of Bolton.
“I would urge people to visit this exhibition in our fantastic Museum and Art Gallery.”