New exhibition by Threadmill Textile Group opens at Northwich’s Lion Salt Works Museum

Northwest-based Threadmill Textile Group will be displaying innovative creative textiles in an exhibition from 19th March – 10th July at Northwich’s Lion Salt Works Museum.

 Based on the title ‘Salt of the Earth’, Threadmill, will be exhibiting a wide range of colourful, creative textiles inspired by the title ‘Salt of the Earth’. The exhibition is free to visitors who pay to visit the museum* and more information is available at www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk 

The exhibition is inspired by the historic and atmospheric Lion Salt Works site in Marston, Northwich. The site is the last open-pan, salt-making site in Britain and one of the last in the world and so rare that it has the same protected status as Stonehenge.  

Angela Oswald, Chair, Threadmill, said: “The 15-strong Threadmill group live in various parts of Cheshire and Derbyshire with two of its members, Sue Law and Ruth Smith, having a particularly strong local connection as they live in Northwich. Ruth Smith was a very early volunteer at the Lion Salt Works, prior to its restoration in 2015. She drew both the Smithy and Salt Wagon and at the time also produced small cross stitch kits for sale in the shop. 

“The Lion Salt Works is a wonderful place to draw inspiration for new work with its wealth of historic objects, atmospheric site and interesting history – all of which provide catalysts for the imagination.” 

The Threadmill group explores and covers a range of creative textile disciplines and has used the natural and urban landscape as a catalyst for the development of ideas. The work is diverse in style and scale. The techniques used are innovative and varied, including hand and machine stitching, painting, printing, dyeing, felting, collage and mixed media in addition to embroidery. This is reflected in two and three dimensional works. 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Threadmill’s members come from a wide range of backgrounds and most have recognised vocational qualifications or degrees in Art and Design subjects as well as teaching in schools and colleges. No wonder then that the quality of this work is extremely high. For anyone who is interested in textiles, this colourful and innovative exhibition is a ‘must see’.  

Threadmill was formed over 25-year ago and is committed to the promotion of textiles as both a decorative and expressive art form and aims to increase awareness and education through its exhibitions and workshops. Work will be for sale. 

The Lion Salt Works Museum tells the story of salt in Cheshire and its impact on the people, landscape and industry of the region. The subject of a £10m restoration programme in 2015, the Museum has gone on to win ten awards. It features an evocative ‘sound and light’ show that recreates the huge steaming salt pans of the Works, as well as a ‘subsiding house’ and automaton. On site, there is free parking, a large play area, butterfly garden, café and a well-stocked shop. 

Pictured - Jill Crowther’s rust and eco-dyed fabrics, woven, with hand stitch.