Whitchurch Silk Mill, an Accredited Museum and Grade II* listed Georgian water-powered mill, preserves traditional skills in the critically endangered craft of Silk Ribbon Weaving, the endangered craft of Silk Weaving, and the engineering skills of millwrighting, which are all at risk of dying out.
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Silk Ribbon Weaving was added to the red list of endangered crafts last year and is now considered critically endangered and at risk of dying out in the next ten years. Only five silk ribbon weavers remain in the UK. The machinery used at the Mill is historic, so traditional skills are needed to operate it. No other mills use similar machinery, the number of people who understand its operation is dwindling. There is a risk that the skills needed at this living museum will die out within 10 years
We need more trained team members, such as trainees, capable Weavers Tacklers and trainers. Without these opportunities, our heritage weaving skills will always be at risk, and we will not be able to preserve our heritage. We also need to improve the condition of the machinery. The oldest loom dates to 1890, and special care is necessary to ensure it works reliably into the future, producing silk that can be sold to support the charity. Lastly, we need to sell the silk and create awareness.
