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The Silk Museum is running a ‘Marvellous Machines’ event every Saturday throughout August where children aged between two and seven can learn about the machines used in the silk industry

Young children are being encouraged to learn about the machines that put Macclesfield on the map at a new museum event.

The Silk Museum is running a ‘Marvellous Machines’ event every Saturday throughout August where children aged between two and seven can learn about the machines used in the silk industry.

Curator Kathryn Warburton said the events are just one way the museum is looking at engaging the local community with the machinery collection.

She said: “For the first time we’re looking at having more activities for early years. I thought it would be fun to look at how the machines actually work; for the little ones to learn in a fun way and really engage with them.

“During the event they will boogie like our machines, twirling just like our throwing machine, jumping up and down like our card cutter and of course – jumping, twirling, ducking, diving and grape vining to our Ribbon Loom!

“It’s going to be fun and probably a bit chaotic but we want the little ones not to feel encumbered by the quietness of museums. We want it to be loud and people to just let loose and enjoy our collections.”

This year Kathryn has been named a Headley Fellow and tasked with researching all 78 machines based at the Silk Museum.

These range from simple sewing machines to large power looms, all used in Macclesfield and the surrounding area -  the majority of which were used in the late 20th century – so still in living memory for those who worked in the industry.

Workshop leader Jodie has also written fun rhymes to some of the machines, as well as a short story about a little boy in a mill for story time.

The session will end with a creative craft, where the children will decorate their own Jacquard Card which they can take home as a souvenir from the day.

Kathryn added that it was also a good opportunity to introduce the children to the history of their home town.

She said: “All the machines have been used in the silk industry in Macclesfield or the surrounding areas. One of the machines has been used to make Doc Marten tags - it’s a fabulous ribbon loom so that’s a fun one for people to look at.

“The machines themselves tell the more modern story of the industry. People might remember using them if they worked in the industry. We actually have the last loom used in Macclesfield which was used in the 2000s.

“It tells our story right until the end. We feel like they’ve been a bit overlooked so this year is the start of highlighting the collection.”

However, Kathryn said it was most important for the young visitors to have fun in the museum.

“We’ve never done anything like this with our machinery collection before,” said Kathryn.

“It’s a great way to introduce our modern machines and a STEM activity into the museum's offer.

“It will allow children to engage with the space how they like and not expect them to read panels but to feel like it’s a place for them.”

‘Marvellous Machines' takes place every Saturday in August from 10,30am to 11.10am and costs £3 per child with adult entry free - pre-booking is required via the website: https://macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk/

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