An exclusive experience at the Framework Knitters Museum
Having been closed since lockdown began in March, the museum is due to reopen on July 29th. During closure, the team has been developing a unique experience for visitors which will be fun, interesting and safe. From this date you will be able to book the whole site for 2 hours to explore with your household or support bubble (maximum 6 people).
To make visiting as safe as possible visitors will wear (knitted) cotton gloves as they explore the workers’ cottages and collections. Staff will be wearing gloves and high tech knitted masks courtesy of Nottingham textile innovators Footfalls and Heartbeats. Between each group the site is cleaned thoroughly and hand sanitiser will be available. Museum staff will be on hand to answer questions, but will allow you to explore as you wish. Refreshments will be available in our self-service tea room.
Knit your own creation!
Every visitor will have the opportunity to knit their own souvenir on an antique machine. We are encouraging everyone to take their knitting home and share what they make with it on social media. Our favourite object will become part of the museum’s permanent collection and take its place in textile history.
Your family will be able to discover how knitters’ families lived and younger visitors can try our Mouse Hunt to uncover clues about the children that lived here 150 years ago. Recent research has revealed how children worked from as young as 6 to help their parents make a living.
In our historic workshops you can still see the amazing centuries-old knitting frames in action. Our Frame Demonstrator will show you just how our ancestors made garments for everyone from WW1 veterans to the King himself. You can appreciate just how noisy, hot and tiring a 14 hour shift would have been from a safe distance (and without having to knit a stitch yourself!).
Most of our volunteers are shielding and we are running with a minimal staff so the site will feel quite quiet. Certainly much quieter than 150 years ago when it was both home and workplace for 100 people!
To make your booking visit the bookings page and pick your slot on Wednesdays to Saturdays. Payment is through card or Paypal to avoid cash handling.