Another short video detailing the training progress of Maisie Williamson, our new framework volunteer via Heritage Crafts funding. The sound of the frame is irresistible, though imagine that x50 for 14hrs a day, which is how our Frameshop operated at its peak in the 1850s.
We're going to be at the Broadway Cinema in Nottingham on Monday promoting our Museum and demonstrating circular knitting prior to their Cosy Craft screening of Romeo + Juliet. Any Shakespearian knitting puns most welcome. www.broadway.org.uk/whats-on/cos...
Oh dear! We're open today, and with lots of needles!
As part of our Heritage Crafts Endangered Crafts funding we are recruiting for new framework volunteers. Meet Maisie Williamson, an established knitter, who successfully started her training this week on the frames and will soon be properly volunteering with us. As you can see, an absolute natural.
A scene from Riot Act in our Museum Chapel Gallery. Actor is dressed in long black coat and top hat with arms outstretched staring into the camera. Behind her are old rustic stools and washing hanging on a line.
Three actors, sitting down on stools, in conversation with each other. They wear bowler hats and waistcoats and portray three hosiers in the play.
A dramatic scene set in a workers cottage where a young woman manages to stop a soldier from entering in order to find a Luddite who seeks shelter there. Two women look on.
"A triumph!" I felt totally immersed in the performance" "The players were so professional and took their parts with such belief … talent in abundance." Some of the feedback we've had for our sell-out performances of Riot Act by Andy Barrett at the weekend. This will clearly return.
An image of our main frameshop and cottage garden bathed in morning sunshine.
Morning!
Poster for rehearsed reading of Riot Act, a play about the framework knitters and the Luddites taking place at the Framework Knitters Museum next week on 27th and 28th March. The words SOLD OUT are pasted across the poster.
With a week to go we're happy with this result and a big endorsement of our new events programme.
A paper wreath made by visitor Roxani, aged 9. It features lots of stripy patterns, a paper heart and a blue dog's face.
The reverse of the wreath, signed by the artist Roxani, the date 14.3.26 and a picture of a small cat.
Fancy a heart-warming story for Mother's Day weekend? This is special. A mum & daughter, aged 9, visting us today. Roxani had already been here with school, but really wanted to bring her Mum. Roxani has even made us a paper wreath for her re-visit. It now takes pride of place at the front desk.
Stuart, our frameshop technician, wearing flat cap and waistcoat advises a workshop participant on how to use the treadles on. a frame.
Frameshop volunteer Janet showing workshop participants a section of lace.
Last night's inaugural VIP Framework Night was a big success. Hats off to our frameshop team who gently guided participants throughout. This will be repeated and so look out for future dates.
A donation point at the National Gallery in London, showing cash given, as well as a card machine.
This is what happens when you manage a museum. In my case @frameworkknitters.bsky.social You visit the National Gallery, and despite being surrounded by exquisite works of art, you end up being more interested in one of their donation points.
A tree with the first shoots of spring blossom in the foreground of the picture, with the frameshop and its rows of large windows behind it.
At last! The spring blossom is now out in our museum garden.
Museum gate depicting letters FWK and knitting images including stocking shapes made from new and recycled steel. The handle of the gate is a large spanner. In front of the gate is Biscuit, a small Finnish Spitz dog.
Museum gate depicting letters FWK and knitting images including stocking shapes made from new and recycled steel. The handle of the gate is a large spanner. Behind the gate you can see our small cottage garden and the large frameshop.
Artist Gavin Darby nearly at the end of installing the gate. It is covered in plastic to protect it.
BEHOLD !! We have a new entrance gate. Made by metalwork artist Gavin Darby (check out his site www.frailloop.co.uk), it is inspired by our stories & heritage. Thanks to our Friends of the Museum scheme who have funded it. We are so pleased & Biscuit, one of our staff dogs is equally impressed.
It's time to keep your appointment with ... the GREEN MAN. Today we've launched our big knitting community project for May Day. Can you help? ttps://frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/for-may-day-help-us-to-create-our-museum-green-man/
We’ve also got a very special free lunchtime talk on 30th April with Adam Hill & Samantha Deacon Hill discussing their journey in restoring a dilapidated framework cottage in Bonsall, back to its former glory … frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/free-l...
New events just gone on sale. The rehearsed reading of RIOT ACT, the new play by Andy Barrett, telling the story of the rise of the Luddites and the parallels with today is now available for just two performances on Friday 27th & Saturday 28th March … frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/the-ri...
Notts cricketeer Alfred Shaw, who was also a framework knitter. Bearded and dressed in white shirt and trousers, his larger frame is perhaps different from the more toned sports people of today.
A view across Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottinghamshire on a rather cloudy day in February.
A display of vintage cricket memorabilia, including bats, wickets and trophies on display in the Trent Bridge's library.
A visit to Trent Bridge cricket ground today. We’re developing a small exhibition for @HeritageOpenDays in Sept exploring the relationship between cricket & framework knitting. Many knitters played for Notts during the 1800s, inc. Alfred Shaw, who bowled the very first ball in a test match in 1877.
Another winning athlete who knits! We're waiting for the call from #TeamGB to help with their training #WinterOlympics www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
We only posted about this yesterday and it's now sold out. It's the knitting equivalent of Oasis tickets. Great start to our re-opening.
A picture of Janet, one of our framework volunteer knitters working on a frame.
Ever wanted to have a go at framework knitting on an antique frame? Also, wouldn't it be great if there was a rather tasty supper to go with this exclusive opportunity. Well ... frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/vip-fr...
Front door of Framework Knitters Museum with prominent open sign to mark the end of the museum's winter closure.
Today!
A museum display of knitted objects, including some intestines, a rabbit and some fruit and veg, including carrots, peas in pods, a tomato and an aubergine.
A Museum display of various knitted objects, including a Christmas wreath, a chicken, three mice and a long beard.
Q: What have the following in common? Some intestines, Rasputin’s beard, a Xmas wreath, various fruit & veg and a chicken. A: They have all been knitted by staff & volunteers for various events & workshops. We’ve now turned them into a fun display for visitors. Did we mention we re-open TOMORROW?
The small single room of a framework knitter and their family from 1850. The room has a small table and two stools, brick flooring, clothes hanging on a washing line by the fire and a stocking frame by the window.
WE'RE OPEN AGAIN THIS WEDNESDAY 🎉🎉 One of our fresh highlights for visitors is the back-to-back 1850 framework cottage, showing how a single family would have lived and worked in this small space. A lovely curation job by the team.
Hey, less of the old! 🙂 Thanks for the tip-off.
Did you see us on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip last night? A show first aired in 2022 with journalist Lucrezia Millarini having a go at framework knitting. Forward to 35:35 for our clip. @lucrezianews.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Museum volunteer Mary Hawkins demonstrating a circular knitting machine at a volunteer workshop.
Museum volunteer Mary Hawkins demonstrating a circular knitting machine at a volunteer workshop.
Two examples of knitted socks made by Mary Hawkins on an antique circular. One pair is mainly cream, with specks of colour, whilst the other features bright coloured stripes.
More re-opening prep, as Mary Hawkins, our doyenne of the circular knitting machine presents a workshop to other volunteers about their use and how to demonstrate to visitors in our designated Griswold space. Mary’s work on an antique circular is amazing and her socks are our shop best-seller.
Display in a glass box at Staithes Museum of two human figures made from crab claws, with clothes and painted facial features. Undated, but suggests 19th century.
Exterior of Staithes Museum. Building a former Methodist Chapel.
You know how it is. Even on a weekend break, you're still in work mode. Housed in a former Methodist Chapel in the quaint fishing village, Staithes Museum in North Yorks. is utterly charming. Check out their display of Victorian crab people.
Museum volunteer Susan mopping red tiled floor in Manager's Victorian cottage.
Staff member Sophie mopping black and red tiled flooring in Manager's Victorian office.
Staff member Helen repairing a Griswold circular knitting machine. In the foreground of the picture is a Henry vacuum cleaner, ready to be used.
Picture of blue tool box used by staff member Helen for work on Griswold knitting machines. The box is open revealing a large number of small tools essential for repairs.
We re-open, following our brief winter closure, in 2 weeks time on 4th Feb. Lots of staff & volunteer activity on site cleaning cottages and repairing circulars getting ready for visitors.
A black and white image of Gill, one of our framework knitting volunteers, demonstrating the craft on a frame.
We have some successful funding news ... heritagecrafts.org.uk/our-stories/...
Image of the the Victorian cottages and frame shop at the Framework Knitters Museum. At the centre there is the crossed fingers symbol of the National Lottery, with the wording 'Made Possible with Heritage Fund'
The Framework Knitters Museum is now looking for a Collections Consultant to work with us as part of our ‘A Stitch in Time’ project, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Full details here … frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/get-involved...
Recruitment poster, featuring image of Ned Ludd, for community actors to take part in rehearsed reading of Riot Act, a new play by Andy Barrett in March 2026.
We have launched RIOT ACT. A new play by Andy Barrett about the Notts framework knitters & the rise of the Luddites. A bold piece that will receive its premiere as a rehearsed reading at the Museum in March. Community actors now wanted. Details here frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/get-involved...
