The Arts Society, Samlesbury hosts a fun and informative Rags to Riches Study Day.

More than 60 members and guests attended a Textile Rags to Riches Study Day. Dr Kate Strasdin, senior lecturer in Fashion Design at Falmouth University and author of several books including ’Inside the Royal Wardrobe’ and the acclaimed ‘Dress Diary of Mrs Anne Sykes,’ entertained members.

There were lectures on ‘The Art of Royal Fashion’ and ‘Textiles – A million Uses,’ dresses kindly loaned by the Harris Museum, Preston, and a Show and Tell session where members brought along their own artefacts.

Members learned of the many uses of textiles from rope making to the heartfelt tale of an airman trading two tins of coffee in 1945 for a silk parachute for his own bride’s wedding dress and later worn by 17 other brides. 

Rules for Employees from Oswaldtwistle Mill reminded everyone of the 1842 Preston riots. Members brought along clogs, a Mary Quant style rayon wedding dress, a swatch from a garment made for King Faisal‘s 1927 visit when we were trading cotton with Egypt, 1953 Coronation handkerchiefs and a fascinating thread twist tester.

The day perfectly complemented the annual programme of lectures held every 2nd Wednesday of the month at the Samlesbury Hotel, PR5 0UL

If you are Interested in attending or wish to know more please email: samlesbury@theartssociety.org