Business Details
Discover Framework Knitting Heritage in Ruddington
Established to preserve the heritage of framework knitting, our museum offers a unique window into the lives of Victorian craftspeople. Through immersive exhibits and hands-on demonstrations, we showcase the evolution of this historic industry while maintaining the authenticity of original working conditions. Our dedicated team of part-time staff, 50 volunteers, and a Board of Trustees ensure the continuation of this 400-year-old tradition.With expertise in textile arts, heritage conservation, and community engagement, we provide educational workshops, family history resources, and interactive experiences that bring this craft to life. As an independent charity, we rely on visitor support and donations to maintain our collections and expand our outreach programs.
Services
Museum Exhibits
Educational Workshops
Chapel Hire
Cafe & Shop
Family History Research
Group Visits
Library Access
Artist Exhibitions
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on workshops in traditional knitting techniques using historic machinery
- Our team includes expert textile artists and historians with decades of experience
- We provide unique access to original 19th-century working environments
- Our volunteer program supports community engagement and skills development
- We maintain an extensive research library dedicated to framework knitting history
Associations and certifications
- National Lottery Heritage Fund
Services
Museum Exhibits
Explore original 19th-century framework knitting machines in working condition. Our exhibits showcase the evolution of textile manufacturing through preserved tools, garments, and historical documentation. Visitors experience recreated domestic workshops that demonstrate the challenging living and working conditions of Victorian craftspeople.
Educational Workshops
Learn traditional knitting techniques using historic frames under expert guidance. Our workshops cater to all skill levels and include school programs aligned with national curriculum requirements. Participants gain hands-on experience with heritage machinery while learning about textile history and preservation methods.
Chapel Hire
Our historic chapel provides a unique venue for community events and cultural activities. The space accommodates various functions while maintaining its architectural integrity. Available for hire to local groups and organizations seeking a distinctive setting for their events.
Family History Research
Access specialized resources for tracing ancestors connected to the framework knitting industry. Our research library contains archival records, trade directories, and historical documents. Staff provide guidance for investigating family connections to this important textile heritage.
Volunteer Program
Join our dedicated team of 50 volunteers preserving textile heritage. Opportunities include operating historic machinery, guiding visitors, and assisting with conservation projects. We provide comprehensive training and support for all volunteer roles across different age groups and experience levels.
People
David Longford
Museum Manager
Former Creative Learning Manager at Theatre Royal Nottingham with extensive heritage sector experience. Oversees the National Lottery Heritage Fund program and develops new exhibitions and events for the museum.
Helen Brownett
Textile Artist
Volunteer-turned-professional with 25+ years' experience operating Griswold knitting machines. Manages the museum shop and exhibitions while sharing expertise in textile conservation and traditional techniques.
Sophie Lovett
People & Culture Manager
Coordinates volunteer programs and training initiatives. Specializes in community engagement and educational outreach, managing school visits and digital content creation for broader audience engagement.
Stuart Botterill
Frameshop Technician
Technical expert with background in telecommunications engineering. Trains volunteers in historic frame operation and maintains working exhibits, combining mechanical expertise with heritage preservation.
Dr Rebekah Pickering Wood
Acting Chair
Cultural project specialist and Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Trent University. Leads sustainability initiatives and digital heritage projects while serving as academic liaison for museum development programs.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We operate seasonal opening times with extended hours during school holidays. Please check our website for current timings.
Can I book a group visit?
Yes, we welcome group visits but require advance booking for all organized groups.
Are there educational programs for schools?
We offer tailored educational resources and workshops for school groups from primary to secondary level.
Do you offer volunteering opportunities?
Yes, we actively seek volunteers for various roles including heritage demonstrations and administrative support.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
We have ground floor access and accessible facilities, though some historic areas have limited accessibility.
Can I donate to support the museum?
As a registered charity, we welcome donations through our Friends program or legacy gifts in wills.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Douglas Rodger
Nov 26, 2021
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Interesting museum telling about knitting in the 18th and 19th century shows the conditions that the workers lived and worked in knowledgeable staff willing to spend time and explain the looms works to you
Eileen Roughton
Nov 18, 2021
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The volunteers were very informative. Strong feelings of the life back then when it was all men (and boys) working hard to earn a living. An amazing place.
Joyce Winder
Nov 14, 2021
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Excellent museum - very well presented and super friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Good little cafe and a great range of items and books to buy. Well worth a visit
Teresa Thompson
Oct 25, 2021
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The revamped Framework Knitters is well worth a visit,lovely coffee shop ,Gill our tour guide was informative,and brought story of Hannah and John to life,such a hard life for these hardworking people,
Please support this local tourist attraction, ssmall
Please support this local tourist attraction, ssmall
Mel Kirkham
Dec 04, 2019
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Had a great afternoon of fun and laughter using the sock machines. Lots of fun. Staff great and friendly. Nice tea and coffee.
Add
Aug 16, 2019
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A little gem of a museum providing an insight into social history of the time of industry surrounding knitting and hosiery. A fascinating glimpse of machine engineering and the hard struggles of workers of the period. A great way to spend an hour or two for the whole family.
Elizabeth Hallam
Aug 03, 2019
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You are able to 'have a go' on some of the hand machines and the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.
