A petition to save Queen Street Mill Museum, Burnley and Helmshore Mills Museum, Rossendale has been launched to save these internationally important museums of Lancashire’s cotton and wool industries. SIGN THE PETITION HERE
Details of the planned closures can be found in national and local newspapers and on the Museums Association website… see below
Independent Newspaper Report HERE
Lancashire Telegraph Report HERE
Burnley Express and Pendle Today Article HERE
Rossendale Free Press Article HERE
The Citizen Report HERE
Museums Association Article HERE
I work as a pattern weaver in my town of Huddersfield,I have worked in the mill since leaving school in 1987,I’m fully aware of the important part textiles played on a social and industrial development in this country,we were the workshop of the world,and mills like queen street,remind us of this,it’s part of our cultural identity,we must save it for future generations .
Queen street and Helmshore mills are in a unique position as the only museum to spin and weave cotton. Both mills could be put on a more commercial footing by seling fabric as heritage fabric especially with the re-enactment and heritage sectors booming. The mill wouldn’t make a profit but could easily cover costs . Shutting these mills would not only be a bad idea but important skills would be lost. I notice that visitor numbers are a bit low but better exposure via internet and social media would help. Also become a living museum with staff dressing and acting the part. The current staff are so knowledgable and friendly.
My Grandmother was a weaver, she looked after 2 looms from the age of 12!
Lancashire CC seem to be determined to brush our Northern Heritage under the carpet! If these 2 mills close there will be nothing to show our future generations.
It is an absolute disgrace
Unfortunately, Lancashire County Council is not looking at it like that. It is just cut and run. It is closing the museums, country parks, libraries etc. because its central government grant has been slashed but the Council has not yet considered other solutions. It looks like panic, from an outside perspective.
Where is the economic analysis of the tourism and educational contribution of Queen Street and Helmshore Mills to the County and the Country?
Please keep our heritage alive or future generations will not know how our society developed.
Please save this museum!