The Framework Knitters’ Museum in Ruddington has reopened its doors after a major redevelopment project. Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and FCC Communities Foundation, this has seen the site almost double in size.
A new shop, reception and cafe have been carefully created from a pair of knitters’ cottages and a community garden developed by local people. The historic homes have also been restored back to their original 1890s appearance with new spaces now open to visitors including a back to back cottage.
Much of the work has been completed by local groups and students during lockdown. Volunteers have helped research and recreate the interiors of the homes; others designed the new logo and displays.
Julian Ellis, Chair of the charity which runs the museum commented: “The museum was founded by local volunteers fifty years ago and it seems very appropriate that so much community effort and creativity has gone into this project in our anniversary year. We are so grateful to all that have helped make this a museum that the whole area can be proud of.”
The charity was established in 1971 to save the site and preserve the craft of framework knitting. During the lockdowns of 2020 volunteers worked with the Historic Crafts Association to identify that there are now only 12 living framework knitters globally. This makes the craft Critically Endangered and the museum is putting even more effort into its training programme. Visitors will be offered the chance to try their hand at this 400 year old craft and everyone is invited to make their own knitted souvenir on a more modern (but still 100 year old!) machine.
The new cafe and shop has been named Parker’s Yard after the family who used to run the knitting business here in the Victorian era. It is open to all during the museum’s opening hours and, in better weather, the community garden will be a lovely place to relax and enjoy a coffee. The shop stocks some beautiful objects made on antique knitting machines as well as more surprising items such as ‘binary scarves’ which have coded quotes from Ada Lovelace and Alan Turing knitted into them.
Commenting on the project Jim Grevatte, Museum Manager said: “The support we have received thanks to National Lottery players, FCC Communities Foundation, Nottinghamshire County Council, the Duke of Devonshire’s Charitable Trust and Coats Foundation has enabled us to completely transform the visitor experience at the museum. We have developed the site to make it more welcoming with better retail and catering facilities and a new flexible space for workshops and other activities. We’re also increasing our volunteering opportunities and are keen to hear from anyone who would like to get involved.”
Cheryl Raynor, FCC Communities Foundation Local Grant Manager said: “We are delighted to have supported the Museum with a grant of £82,952 to help bring this project to fruition. The completed works will allow visitors an enhanced experience which we hope will be enjoyed for many years to come”.
For more information about FCC Communities Foundation funding visit http://www.fcccommunitiesfoundation.org.uk