Category: Museum & Archive

Update on the stocking machine

After the stocking machine adventures at the stocking machine conference, a few things have happened and learned that we would like to share. This circular knitting machine was made for Higham […]

Heritage Open Days 2022

It’s that time again and we are gathering ourselves for Heritage Open Days here at Sunny Bank Mills Archive.  The theme for this year is Astounding Inventions and we are […]

A day in the life of an Archive Assistant at Sunny Bank Mills

Archive Assistant, Sunny Bank Mills  From the top, Workers clogs, Dashboard Bulb ‘Pin Up’ Packaging from 1950s, Ivy Barron machine-stitched free handwriting on cloth (C. 1950s/60s).  As Archive Assistant, my […]

The wonders of Tyvek®

Tyvek® is a 100% synthetic material made from high-density spun-bound polyethylene fibers. Lightweight, durable and breathable.  Resistant to water, abrasion, bacterial penetration, and ageing. Tyvek® is an amazing material used […]

To Skep or to Skip?

The ordinary and every day before cardboard and plastic everything was carried and transported by wicker baskets.  Always handmade.  So, what is the difference between a skip and a skep? […]

Stocking Machine, the journey so far …….

Once upon a time, we had a forlorn stocking machine, unloved and unable to move and make anything.  It had worked hard all its life used by the Dye department […]

The sounds of the Mill

We have many typewriters in the collection here at Sunny Bank Mills Archive.  The majority would have been used in the main office for vital communication to customers and trade.  […]

“Mauve madness” in Mr Bell’s Patterns

The archive volunteers have been working on preserving Mr Bell’s patterns, a collection of bundles of fabric samples from various sources used to inspire new designs at the mill (see […]

A day in the life of… The Archive Assistant at Sunny Bank Mills

In May 2021 I was delighted to be part of a new initiative – to create weekend access for visitors to the Sunny Bank Mills Archive.  One of the first […]