SILK MUSEUM LAUNCHES COMMUNITY FC! EXHIBITION

The Silk Museum has officially launched its latest exhibition, by welcoming contributors and supporters to a special preview evening.

Community FC! runs until 5th September and serves as a charming exploration of Macclesfield’s enduring love for football, moving beyond the professional game to celebrate the thriving grassroots activity in town’s parks, gardens, and schools. 

The Museum’s Education Coordinator Natalie Lane explains: 

“Earlier in the year, we ran a call out for contributions from the community to share their photos and stories of what football means to them. We took inspiration from Macclesfield’s recent FA Cup success and were keen to make the most of the World Cup’s ‘football fever’, but with a real focus on grassroots, community activity." 

Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Community FC! exhibition provides a unique look at local football life, featuring a mix of archive photography from the museum’s own collection, personal photos submitted by the people of Macclesfield, and new photography by Dan Fone. 

Natalie continues: 

“From jumpers for goalposts and well-earned trophies to the realities of matchday mud, the exhibition invites visitors to come along and see if they can spot a familiar face.” 

The opening event saw an invited guest list of exhibition contributors, community members, and local residents, welcomed by the Silk Museum’s Chair Simon Spurrell.  

Curator and photographer Dan Fone spoke about working on the exhibition, noting that: 

“Most photographs here have been submitted by local people who either play or help make it all happen. The submission form asked one question: ‘What does football mean to you?’ The consistency of the answers was striking and summed up in two words: Teamwork and friendships.” 

Paul Smith, the coach of a local under 15’s boys team also spoke of how playing football teaches so much, from the power of teamwork, coping with defeat, and managing emotions. And, Ruth Stallman delighted the audience with her stories about how her daughter Oliva is football mad!  

Guests enjoyed drinks and half-time oranges, along with specially made cakes from Cherry Blossom Bakery. The were also treated to a display of objects relating to the World Cup, from the National Football Museum.  

The exhibition is on display in the Silk Museum’s Community Gallery until 5th September. 

The Museum is open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10am – 4pm and admission is free.  

The Silk Museum is part of The Silk Heritage Trust, an independent charity working to protect, share, and celebrate Macclesfield’s pioneering heritage, for the benefit of all.

Pictured - Items from the National Football Museum.