During my placement at Sunny Bank Mills, I’ve been exploring a wide range of donated objects and photographs. Previously, I explored the photographs and now I’m looking into the objects I discovered.
One donation that caught my attention was a blue tin box with a medieval design on the lid. Inside was a notebook titled “Out Worker Home Record Book”, accompanied by a note reading, “To Mam from Kelvin,” as well as a heart-shaped pin cushion and various needlework tools. These personal items offer a tangible link to the individual lives behind the mill to help broaden the story of the Museum & Archive collection here at Sunny Bank Mills.
Other donated items reflect the practical and technical side of mill life. A handmade pick measure crafted from an old penny, reportedly given to an apprentice by their teacher, offers a glimpse into learning and craft traditions. Additionally, a small cardboard box contained warp-twisting equipment, including various metal yarn-attached V-rings and tailoring tools that appear to be handmade, illustrating the skill and hands-on work required in the mill. Further, a blueprint of machinery offered a fascinating glimpse into the design and operation of the mill’s equipment.
All these items help us understand the rich, layered history of Sunny Bank Mills. Each donation helps us piece together the stories of the people who worked here and preserve their memories, if you have anything to donate, please feel free to reach out!
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