Burnley's iconic Queen Street Mill to receive vital funding

The historic mill museum in Harle Syke is part of the Textile Industry Collection, one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

The collections held at Helmshore Mill, Higher Mill Helmshore, Queen Street Mill in Burnley, and additional archive material held by LCC Record Office, are together recognised by the Arts Council as a Designated Collection.

Queen Street Mill is a different industrial story, a weaving shed built in 1896 and operated by the Queen Street Manufacturing Company until closure in 1982, it was located away from the valley floor on a hill between Burnley and Nelson a location made possible by the advent of steam power.

County Coun. Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: "Lancashire is rich in its heritage and culture, and our collections and venues reflect that diversity and uniqueness.

"Our mills are an important part of this heritage and their unique appeal is that they are cotton and wool manufactories operating with original machinery in original locations.

"Preserving and developing specialist skills required to run this equipment is vital, and this grant from Arts Council England will help us to do that."

The Designation Scheme identifies and celebrates outstanding collections, of national or international significance, which deepen our understanding of the world and what it means to be human. Together the collections cover the story of the industrial revolution, of British invention and innovation, of colonialism and a world dominating industry.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

Chairman of the Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences.

"Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”