Cotton industry fashion show to be staged at Queen Street Mill

The show, called “Spinning a Yarn”, is part of Lancashire Museums’ contribution to the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme Stories of the World.

Students on the Extended Diploma in Fashion course at Burnley College have worked with young fashion designer Sarah Hussain to create the show on the theme of the county’s textile heritage.

The show also celebrates the first year of partnership between Lancashire County Council’s Museums Service and Burnley College.

Gill Brailey, learning development manager at Lancashire County Council, said: “The cotton mills were the cornerstone of working and community life for generations of local people.

“The grandparents and great grandparents of some of today’s students worked in the industry and ‘Spinning a Yarn’ is a great way for them to find out about recent textile history. Although many people know about the Industrial Revolution and ill-treatment of workers in the mills, they often don’t realise that there were working mills at Helmshore and Queen Street until only 30 years ago. They are also surprised to discover how much of their local community – houses, schools, churches and even dance halls – were built with textile money.”

Jackie Connolly, Burnley College fashion lecturer, added: “The students have really enjoyed working with Sarah to come up with creative designs which honour the county’s textile heritage.

“Queen Street Mill provides a unique venue for a fashion show and we are looking forward to seeing their work on show at this event.”

The show runs from 6-30 p.m. until 9-45 p.m. on Thursday, May 12th. Stories of the World is part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad programme. It presents exciting new museum exhibitions and special events across the UK, created by young people.