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 in 2023 and is critically endangered and at risk of dying out. Only five silk ribbon weavers remain in the UK, with two employed here. The Mill's machinery is historic, so traditional skills are needed to operate it, and the number of people who understand its operation is dwindling. There is a risk that the skills required at this living museum will die out within 5 years, so we aim to create sustainable skill pathways here.
We need more experienced team members, including trainees, capable Weavers Tacklers & 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.
