British Textile Biennial opens to the public

The British Textile Biennial has returned to Lancashire, opening its doors to visitors from around the world. This event, which takes place every two years, celebrates the United Kingdom’s rich history in textiles and the important role that fabrics play in our daily lives. Artists are invited to create new works that help people see textiles from a fresh perspective. One of the most striking pieces this year is a long, multicolored ribbon that hangs from the ceiling and drapes onto the floor, attracting crowds who stop to admire and photograph it.

This year’s Biennial focuses on the textile pioneers of 20th-century Lancashire, highlighting both the region’s famous brands and its role in the development of synthetic fabrics. For example, the British brand Grenfell first created its famous ‘Grenfell Cloth’ in 1923 at Lodge Mill in Burnley. This fabric was designed for Sir Wilfred Grenfell, a military medical officer who needed a jacket that was both windproof and water-resistant. The exhibition also explores the invention of polyester, which was developed in a laboratory in Accrington during wartime. Polyester quickly became a common part of everyday life, making clothes easier to care for and changing the way women managed household chores.

The Biennial doesn’t just look at the past; it also considers the environmental impact of textile production and encourages visitors to think about how future innovations can be more sustainable. One of the highlights is the display of original clothing from the first British expedition to reach the summit of Mount Everest. These clothes, made from new synthetic materials like Gore-Tex, helped climbers survive in extreme conditions. Over the years, these types of fabrics became popular with football fans in the 1980s and later with people who went to dance parties in the 1990s. The event also features tapestries by artist Crystal Bennes, who was inspired by the similarities between old computer punch cards and weaving loom cards. Other exhibits include displays about fake football merchandise and new work by designer Aitor Throup. The British Textile Biennial is open at several venues across Lancashire until November 2, offering a unique chance to explore the past, present, and future of textiles.