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Gawthorpe Textiles Collection exhibition

A fantastic display of beautiful historic textiles from the collection of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, across four rooms of the Hall.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth was an expert with a needle, as well as making textiles she also collected and studied them. The items on display in this exhibition are a tiny part of the extensive and beautiful collection, she built up throughout her lifetime. Using the theme of 'Colour', the exhibition showcases embroidery, pattern and printing, woolwork, metallic threads and some costume pieces. There is something for everyone to admire and be inspired by.

Plus, for 2025 there is an additional display about Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth's other passion in life – the Girl Guides. In 1925 a fete and Lancashire pageant was held in the grounds of Gawthorpe Hall, organised and put on by the local guide troops as a fundraising event. Two of the pageant outfits still exist and are on display, along with Guiding memorabilia from the event. Look out for the trefoil gate in the grounds too.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

This exhibition is on the first floor, due to the historic nature of the building, there is no lift.

Contact info

Lancashire County Council

Upcoming events

Halloween crafts and spooky stories 

Bring your apprentice witches and wizards for some Halloween crafty fun at Gawthorpe Hall.

Event summary

on
29 Oct 2025
at 12:00 to 16:00

An Account of Life: Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s 

An exhibition bringing the household of Gawthorpe Hall in the 1600s to life, through the original account books of the Shuttleworth Family.

Event summary

on
29 Oct to 2 Nov 2025
at 12:00 to 17:00+ 4 other dates or times

Meet the Plague Doctor 

Meet the Plague Doctor and discover the gruesome side of life in the 1600s.

Event summary

on
31 Oct 2025
at 12:00 to 16:00

Victorian Christmas at Gawthorpe Hall 

Discover a traditional Victorian Christmas at Gawthorpe Hall's festive weekend event.

Event summary

on
29 Nov to 30 Nov 2025
at 11:00 to 15:30+ 1 other date or time