National Embroidery & Textile Centre to be opened by late 2008

22 Sep '06

3 min read

The new centre will be open six days a week and will offer visitors an unprecedented opportunity to see, and learn about, embroidery, textiles and the Guild's global collection featuring historical and contemporary embroidery. A programme of learning and leisure activities for all ages and abilities will be developed as part of the funding, and visitors will be able to relax in the centre's café.

Commenting on the announcement, the Guild's Director Michael Spender said, "This is great news for the Guild's outstanding collection of 11,000 embroideries, and all those who would like to enjoy and study them. It is also great news for the millions of textile enthusiasts who until now had no dedicated national facility, and for the people of Ancoats and east Manchester, who will get a new public cultural centre."

Explaining the importance of the award, HLF's Tony Jones said, "We're delighted that two of our projects can come together and breathe new life into one another. St. Peter's is a wonderful church which once served the textile workers from Ancoats, and the Guild's collection will be a fitting tribute to Ancoat's textile roots."

On hearing the news, Kate Dickson, Director of Ancoats Building Preservation Trust which has taken the lead in the regeneration of historic buildings in Ancoats said, "The Ancoats area is becoming a very attractive place to live and work. The Embroiderers' Guild project will be a great addition to the area, attracting day visitors and helping to support local businesses."

"The National Embroidery and Textiles Centre is a perfect use for this breathtaking building which has been lovingly restored by the Ancoats Buildings Preservation Trust and is now assured of a long term future, publicly accessible for people to enjoy."

Embroiderers' Guild

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