Gawthorpe Textiles Collection

The Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is comprised of historic and contemporary lace, quilts, costume, samplers and embroidery from all over the world. This museum accredited collection is displayed across five galleries at Gawthorpe Hall in Pennine Lancashire.

The collection was amassed by Miss Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886 – 1967) who was a member of the family that lived at Gawthorpe Hall from the 14th century. Miss Rachel was the last member of the Shuttleworth family to live at Gawthorpe. She was renowned for her expert knowledge and skills in needlework, and for her dedicated work with local communities. Miss Rachel turned her ancestral home into a Craft House in order to keep alive the textile skills and techniques she feared were being lost.

Miss Rachel believed that craft can help improve the quality of life for people and as early as 1912 she wrote of her hope of founding a craft centre at Gawthorpe. Her aim was to pass on her knowledge and wisdom to as many people as she could through teaching and lecturing on the value of crafts. The pieces she collected are the unique foundation of what is a truly remarkable learning resource.

She filled the house with her world-class collection of textiles, and amassed a large Library to enrich the study of craft skills. She was loved and admired by generations of local women whom she welcomed into her Craft House with energy, warmth and generosity. Many donated generously to her growing textile collection, often with pieces of work they had made themselves.

The collection includes an in-situ reference library of art, design and craft books and an archive of Miss Rachel’s letters.

Events include 'Exploration Days', a chance to study the collection up close with the curator and 'An Audience with...' workshops where you can learn textile skills inspired by the collection with a visiting expert. Most events take place in the wonderful setting of the historic library, with Miss Rachel's reference collection of art, design and craft books.

The Gawthorpe Textiles Collection is a registered charity. Today, the staff and volunteers continue to work towards achieving Miss Rachel’s vision for the collection by providing learning opportunities, delivering events, displays and exhibitions so that more people can engage with and be inspired by the collection.