Celebrating Jane Austen’s legacy with Whitchurch Silk ribbons
Hampshire’s gem of industrial heritage, Whitchurch Silk Mill, and the beloved Jane Austen’s House museum have joined forces to release a collection of fourteen Exclusive Edition Silk Ribbons. This creative collaboration celebrates Austen’s legacy, with each ribbon’s design and colour palette drawing inspiration from the House and its treasured artefacts, such as Austen's writing table, rare edition novels, and jewellery. The ribbons have been thoughtfully named after people and places dear to Austen, as well as famous characters from her novels, including Cassandra, Darcy, and Chawton.
Image: Whitchurch Silk Mill. Photo courtesy of Kirsty Bowen.
Throughout 2024, visitors to Whitchurch Silk Mill were treated to live demonstrations of the critically endangered art of silk ribbon weaving. During these events, they witnessed the intricate process of winding, warping, and weaving, all led by skilled Weaver Tacklers using historic machinery. Each ribbon, painstakingly crafted by these experts, is a beautiful heirloom piece that embodies the spirit of Jane Austen’s House.
This collaboration has also marked a significant moment in the preservation of silk weaving in the UK. Trainee Weaver Tackler Be received their first experience in ribbon weaving, training under the guidance of Whitchurch Silk Mill’s Heritage Weaving Manager, Shannon. With Be’s addition, the number of skilled silk ribbon weavers in the UK has increased from four to five, an important step in safeguarding this endangered craft for future generations.
Image: Whitchurch Silk Mill. Photo courtesy of Kirsty Bowen.
Jessica Bone, Whitchurch Silk Mill’s Commercial Director, expressed the team’s pride in the collaboration, saying, “Working with Jane Austen’s House on this exciting project has been an honour. We are so proud of the collection; the ribbons are stunning, capturing the unique inspiration of the House while showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of Whitchurch Silk Mill.”
Looking ahead, Whitchurch Silk Mill will host the "Riches to Ribbons" exhibition in Spring 2025, showcasing the collection and offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the process from initial inspiration to production. The exhibition will delve into the rich history of silk ribbon weaving, exploring its significance in fashion, the lives of those who wore these ribbons, and the weavers who created them. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at the upcoming Bridgerton-inspired ribbon collection and view the "ribbon wall of fame," highlighting appearances of Whitchurch Silk ribbons in famous TV shows and films.
Throughout 2024, visitors to Whitchurch Silk Mill were treated to live demonstrations of the critically endangered art of silk ribbon weaving. During these events, they witnessed the intricate process of winding, warping, and weaving, all led by skilled Weaver Tacklers using historic machinery. Each ribbon, painstakingly crafted by these experts, is a beautiful heirloom piece that embodies the spirit of Jane Austen’s House.
This collaboration has also marked a significant moment in the preservation of silk weaving in the UK. Trainee Weaver Tackler Be received their first experience in ribbon weaving, training under the guidance of Whitchurch Silk Mill’s Heritage Weaving Manager, Shannon. With Be’s addition, the number of skilled silk ribbon weavers in the UK has increased from four to five, an important step in safeguarding this endangered craft for future generations.
Jessica Bone, Whitchurch Silk Mill’s Commercial Director, expressed the team’s pride in the collaboration, saying, “Working with Jane Austen’s House on this exciting project has been an honour. We are so proud of the collection; the ribbons are stunning, capturing the unique inspiration of the House while showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of Whitchurch Silk Mill.”
Looking ahead, Whitchurch Silk Mill will host the "Riches to Ribbons" exhibition in Spring 2025, showcasing the collection and offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the process from initial inspiration to production. The exhibition will delve into the rich history of silk ribbon weaving, exploring its significance in fashion, the lives of those who wore these ribbons, and the weavers who created them. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at the upcoming Bridgerton-inspired ribbon collection and view the "ribbon wall of fame," highlighting appearances of Whitchurch Silk ribbons in famous TV shows and films.
Image: Whitchurch Silk Mill. Photo courtesy of Kirsty Bowen.
Silks woven at the Mill have previously featured in TV and film adaptations of Austen’s works, including the 2008 BBC adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility" and the 2005 film adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice."
As part of the nationwide Jane Austen 250 celebrations honouring Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, these ribbons mark the beginning of a year filled with events celebrating her timeless legacy.
Learn more about Whitchurch Silk Mill:
www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk