Whitchurch Silk Mill is weaving history with its upcoming Limited Edition Silk scarf, designed by the talented Lucina Carlos from London Metropolitan University. This exquisite creation celebrates the Mill’s remarkable 210-year legacy, blending heritage and modern textile design. A beautiful nod to the craftsmanship and innovation that have defined the Mill since it was built in 1815.
The Limited Edition scarf, titled ‘The Final Strike, is inspired by the epic Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and pays homage to the legendary Waterloo clock that has been the heart of the Mill for over two centuries.
Whitchurch Silk Mill stands as a beacon of British industrial heritage, having been built in 1815 and still weaving silk in its original building. More than just a mill—a living museum too, preserving heritage machinery and keeping critically endangered crafts alive. Bridging the past and the present, Whitchurch Silk Mill has collaborated with the next generation of designers, with Fashion & Textile students of London Metropolitan University working to a live brief with the Mill’s specialist Weaver Tacklers to influence a design.
Stripes have become a signature of Whitchurch Silk, a tradition seamlessly intertwined with the capabilities of the Victorian looms still in operation today. Drawing inspiration from military medal stripes and the Mill’s extensive stripe archive, Lucina Carlos crafted an initial design concept rich in history and meaning. This concept will soon transform into a tangible masterpiece, brought to life with unparalleled precision by the skilled Weaver Tacklers.
The recent design competition at Whitchurch Silk Mill, made possible by funding from the ‘Weaving Futures’ National Lottery Heritage Fund project, is a brilliant example of nurturing new talent while preserving historical craftsmanship. By offering London Metropolitan University students invaluable industry experience, the Mill has opened its doors to a wave of creativity from a vibrant team of young designers.
Winner of this design brief Lucina Carlos said, “I’m truly pleased that my story was captivating and aligned with what Whitchurch was looking for. I sincerely appreciate this opportunity.”
Jessica Bone, Commercial Director of Whitchurch Silk Mill said, “It was wonderful to have the students interpret the brief in different ways. Lucina really managed to capture the significance of the Waterloo clock at the Mill and the connections this has to the Mill’s history. We are excited to see the final design woven on our Victorian looms.”
Visitors to the Mill will be able to see this design in production over the coming months in the historic Grade Two * Mill on the banks of the River Test, operating as a working museum. The Mill is open Tuesday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.00pm and a growing band of trainees and weavers can be seen still operating the Mill’s historic warping, winding and weaving machinery.
