Hebden Bridge Web

Monday, 7 May 2018

Hebden Bridge Labels wanted

Local collector Lizzie Lockhart has issued a call out for labels from Hebden Bridge's textile manufacturers old and new for a new exhibition she is curating during this year's Arts Festival.

If you have have an old pair of locally made trousers at the back of the wardrobe or a Moderna Blanket on your bed then Lizzie wants to hear from you. She also wants to hear from any new manufacturers who might have a sample of a label they use with their work they can share.

The theme of the festival is Noncomformism and the smaller manufacturers who worked in Hebden Bridge were defiant noncomformists taking on the massive mills from their Calder Valley bases creating some classic items.

Building on last year's popular Curious Collections exhibition, Lizzie has decided to create a new collection which is created by local people’s contributions.

Local Labels

This new collection, Local Labels, will be on show in Hebden Bridge Town Hall foyer throughout the festival from 22 June – 1 July.

Lizzie Lockhart said, “People love collecting in all sorts of different ways and this exhibition will celebrate a talented group of manufacturers who went their own way producing some classic items.

"If you have any local labels in garments or products they could be part of this new collection. They can be embroidered cloth ones or cardboard labels as all types will be considered. I am happy to come and photograph them if you don’t want them cut off.“

Local Labels is part of the festival's commitment to include local people who can bring something different to this year's theme.

Arts Festival Artistic Director Helen Meller said, "The textile trade is the industry that transformed Hebden Bridge, but as well the big factories churning out millions of items every year, there were the more idiosyncratic creatives doing their own thing.

"Lizzie's exhibition will celebrate those artists and is a brilliant way of marking their contribution to our town's life and times."

For more information email helen@hbaf.co.uk or call the festival office on 01422 417373 by May 31st

Hebden Bridge Arts Festival runs from 22 June to 1 July. To see the full programme and book tickets go to click here