The Silk Heritage Museum is one of four Macclesfield museums in the Silk Heritage Trust and traces the journey of silk from China to Macclesfield.
Situated in Macclesfield's Heritage Centre, The Silk Heritage Museum tells the story of silk, from its origins in the far East, to its development in Macclesfield.
From its Chinese roots to the way that silk is now used in fashion, the variety of collections and displays at The Silk Heritage Museum demonstrate the importance of silk and its variety of uses, from luxury garments to upholstery and bedding - even parachutes and artillery gunpowder bags in the past!
Our award-winning audio visual presentation describes the development of the silk industry in Macclesfield and the effect it had on the town, told from the perspective of people who were personally involved in the industry.
The Silk Heritage Museum offers:
A variety of displays, spanning the 19th and 20th centuries
Costumes, textiles and accessories
Audio guide for the visually impaired
Education Service
Our education service is led by our Education Manager, Linda Jones, and sessions are specifically tailored to complement Key Stage 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum.
We offer a wide range of educational visits at The Silk Heritage Museum:
Victorian Experience
Aimed at primary schools, children dress in Victorian costumes, visit the Heritage Centre's school room and have a lesson with 'ma'am', a strict school mistress. Activities include drawing on slates, copper plate writing with dip pens and rote learning.
Children will then be taken to the Weaver's Cottage and see what life was like for working class families - how they washed, what they wore and their diet. They will also have an opportunity to play with mill toys such as yoyos and hoopla.
The experience also includes viewing and touching reproduction artefacts from the era, including hair curlers and old irons.
Victorian Christmas Experience (November and December)
During the festive season, the Weaver's Cottage is transformed into a parlour, giving children the opportunity to see what Christmas was like for rich Victorians. This is contrasted with poor people's experience of the celebrations.
With tin toys, hobby horses and the chance to make their own Christmas crackers, it is a magical experience for
primary school children of all ages.
World War II Experience
Children are introduced to life as an evacuee, with billeting, rationing and identity cards. The Heritage Centre puts on a 'make, do and mend' session, demonstrating how things were recycled during the war.
Children will also discover more about silk maps and parachutes that were made in Macclesfield, and will then take part in a code breaking activity.
The Schools Service also runs experiences at Paradise Mill and West Park, as well as Craft Clubs in the school holidays.
Please call our Education Manager, Linda Jones on 01625 613 210or e-mail education@macclesfield.silk.museum for more information and to book your session.
Contact Us
Please call The Silk Heritage Museum on 01625 613 210 for more information about the museum's exhibitions and to enquire about our range of educational visits.
Opening Hours
Winter Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sundays: Closed
Children under the age of 16 enjoy free entry to all of the Silk Heritage Trust's museums, when accompanied by a paying adult.
SIlk Heritage Trust
Please click on the links below for more information about each museum:
The Silk Industry Museum
Paradise Mill
West Park Museum
Please remember to mention The Best of Macclesfield when contacting The Silk Heritage Museum - part of the Macclesfield Museums Trust.
© The Best of Macclesfield