Exhibition: For the love of cotton
Returning for 2025 this exhibition explores the story of the past, present and future of the cotton textile industry in the North West and the world
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Before the Industrial Revolution, making clothes was slow. People would make their own clothes, in small quantities and would wear them for a long period of time, repeatedly repairing them. They were patched, resized, remade, and handed down until there was nothing left to use.
The Industrial Revolution saw a rapid change in the pace in the production of textiles, the growth of cotton and technological advancements within mills, and faster transport. This meant there were more options for people in all levels of society and is the starting point in the story of how we consume clothes today.
In this exhibition we will explore the story of the past, present and future of the cotton textile industry in the North West and the world, the human drive for fashion and ‘faster, easier, cheaper’ clothes, and the global, environmental and societal impacts that had and continues to have today.
This exhibition was made possible with help from our very talented group of sewing voluteers.
Admission charges apply. Free entry for National Trust Members.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
suitable for children of all ages
- Meeting point
The exhibition will be hosted on the fourth floor of the mill
- What to bring and wear
This is an indoor event
- Accessibility
The space is accessible by lift.
Upcoming events
Easter at Quarry Bank
This Easter, spring down to Quarry Bank to enjoy family fun for everyone!
Village hub and workers cottage tours
This is your chance to see what life was like for the crowded families in the village
Sir Monty Webber's Quest
Step inside the Mill to join Sir Monty Webber the moth on his quest to find food and make friends!