Silk Museum

When was the last time you thought about where your clothes and accessories come from? Silk is renowned the world over as a luxurious fabric and designers have used it for centuries. As a hallmark of style and quality, Macclesfield was at the heart of the global silk industry.

See how the Jacquard mechanism laid the foundations for our digital age. See how designs were created and then transformed onto silk using different printing methods. Discover the stories of the people connected to the industry and how they led Macclesfield to become an international centre for design and silk manufacturing. The Silk Museum is located over two historic sites.

The collections of textiles, fashion, designs and industrial machinery are displayed in the Museum building which was the original School of Art. Next door is Paradise Mill, designated by Historic England and home to the largest collection of silk Jacquard handlooms in Europe. Two of the looms are being restored so that the guides can demonstrate the silk weaving process. This was one of the last silk mills to operate in the town, and remains as it was when the weavers last downed tools in the 1980s.

All your senses will be alert, as you realise what it might have been like to work in this industry. Join expert guides for a tour of this incredibly special place to get insights into the production of silk for major retailers, the lives of the mill workers in Macclesfield and some secrets too. A great day out.