Macclesfield Textile Week 19th-27th September
I'm taking part in Macclesfield Textile Week - come and join me for a silk-heritage inspired exhibition and workshop.
TLDR? Scroll down to see workshop & exhibition details.
Macclesfield is honouring its textile heritage with the launch of Macclesfield Textile Week. From 19th-27th September 2026, the festival will bring together artists, crafts people, creative and community groups and organisations to celebrate the town's vibrant history.
What started in the 1700s with a cottage industry, with women and children wrapping silk buttons, by the 1800s became a thriving industrial Cheshire town and a global powerhouse with over 70 silk mills, earning the town the name, "the end of the Silk Road."
Having seen the team shape the festival from the start, I know is going to be a wonderful celebration with lots of different things go on with something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. It's not just silk and history: there's over 50 events across 15 locations, looking at everything textile based – from weaving to upcycling – plus talks, walks, poetry, art exhibitions, fashion shows, workshops and much, much more!
WHAT I'M UP TO
WORKSHOP: Silk Journeys, Silk Museum, 19th September 2-4.30pm
Park Ln, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 6TJ
If you liked the sound of my Silk Road journeys project, then there's another chance to join me for the workshop at the Silk Museum Classroom in Macclesfield this September. You'll be experimenting with different ways to make art using silk including sound, painting and collage - all around the theme of journeys to Macclesfield.
The 3 hour session is £35 and includes all materials.
No art or textiles experience required!
Spaces are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
BOOK ON THE SILK MUSEUM WEBSITE >
This workshop has been supported by Macclesfield Community ArtSpace.
EXHIBITION & MEET THE ARTIST:
Exhibition: J R Oatts: Journey to Here
Bridge St, Macclesfield SK11 6EG
During MTW, I'll be showcasing my abstract paintings on silk in the windows of this beautiful church, now an events space, which was built by Charles Roe, one of the key figures in Macclesfield silk history. On show I'll have both the collaborative silk paintings created with Macclesfield residents earlier this year and some new pieces – all around the theme of journeys and belonging.
View on the MTW webpage here.
FREE to attend. Exhibition opening times:
Wednesday 23rd & Thursday 24th, 6pm-8pm
Saturday 19th & 26th 11am-4pm
Sunday 20th & 27th 11am-4pm
Thursday 24th September 6-8pm: Meet the artist event
Come and meet me at Christ Church where I'll be on hand to talk about my work and demonstrate some silk painting and collage.
TO KEEP UP TO DATE WILL MY EVENTS, JUST SIGN UP FOR MY MAILING LIST >
CHECK OUT THE FULL LINE UP FOR MTW HERE >
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Macclesfield Textile Week is a community-led collaboration between Macclesfield Community ArtSpace and The Silk Museum. The celebratory festival is proudly supported by Macclesfield Town Council and Cheshire East Council.
