A visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill

Written by Guild Member - Ian Waite

On a very cold December day Sonia and I visited Whitchurch Silk Mill. You may remember we had a talk a few months before about the Heritage Silk Weaving that they do there.

Entrance is through the shop and very nice café. Adult entry was £10 although you get a £1 off if over 60. The ticket lasts for a year so you can make as many repeat visits as you wish.

The mill building is three stories over which you can see all the heritage equipment for all stages of the weaving process as well as information on silk, where it comes from and how it is processed to be able to be used for weaving.

There are some fascinating pieces of equipment that have been rescued and maintained to allow the weavers to use the heritage equipment at all the stages of warp preparation, dressing the loom and performing the weaving. 

When we visited they were weaving silk ribbons which were produced on a wide warp with 10,000 ends and then cut into separate ribbons. Lucky all the weavers were young and had good eyesight – way too fine for me.

We then had a walk around the gardens which would look lovely in spring and summer but was a bit cold to stay for long. 

Back to the café for lunch and a warming drink which was very welcome. Food was good and the café was busy with locals, which was a good sign.

Very enjoyable and interesting visit and we will be returning when the weather is a bit warmer.