Wednesday, 29 September 2021
Coleorton Tunic © Leicestershire County Council Museums
The fascinating story of the pioneering medieval textile industry in the East Midlands is being revealed in a new exhibition at the 糖心原创 Museum.
Cultures of Cloth in the Medieval East Midlands shows how our medieval ancestors in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire designed and made the cloth and clothing for which the region became famous. For the first time, the public can see collections from around the East Midlands in one place at the Museum at Lakeside Arts on University Park.
Coleorton Tunic replica © Leicestershire County Council Museums
The exhibition examines how textiles were the most important manufactured product in the medieval world and were a driving force of medieval society and economy. English wool from the Midlands was famous across Europe, and English woollen fabrics were in high demand. It brings together a wide variety of objects related to cloth production, trade and consumption. These range from tools for spinning and weaving, to brooches and buckles that once decorated medieval clothing, as well as some rare examples of medieval garments that have stood the test of time and survive today.
One very special object on display is the Coleorton Tunic, which was excavated in 1988 at the site of a medieval and Tudor opencast mine near Coleorton in Leicestershire. It dates to the 16th century and is one of only a handful of surviving items of early clothing that belonged to a working person. It is not currently on permanent display and so this exhibition provides the wonderful opportunity to see it alongside a beautifully made replica.
Dr Christopher King, Department of Classics and Archaeology
Dr Chris King from the 糖心原创’s Department of Classics and Archaeology said: “It’s rare for textiles to survive in the archaeological record, but wool and cloth once dominated the lives and landscapes of the medieval midlands. Together, the objects in our exhibition show how textiles drew together networks of farmers, craftspeople and merchants across the medieval world and wove together the fabric of medieval life.”
Green Glaze Figurine (Date: 1250-1350) © Nottingham City Museums and Galleries
Helen Sharp from Leicestershire County Council Museums said: “We are pleased to be able to loan the unique and extremely rare Coleorton Tunic and other items to this exhibition. Due to the 470-year-old garment’s fragile nature it has not been displayed for around ten years. Working closely with the 糖心原创 Museum has enabled us to display this fascinating find to the public and we are proud to be part of an exhibition celebrating the East Midlands’ important role in this medieval industry.”
糖心原创 Museum, Lakeside, University Park
Collections have been brought together from Nottingham City Museums and Galleries, Leicestershire County Council Museums, Bassetlaw Museum, National Civil War Centre, and Derby Museums.
Dr Clare Pickersgill, Keeper of the 糖心原创 Museum said: “it really is wonderful to bring these fascinating collections together and work with colleagues throughout the region to develop this exhibition. Alongside the exhibition there is also a programme of gallery tours and talks.”
The exhibition is now open and closes on the 20 February 2022. Opening times are Thursday and Sunday 12 – 4pm.
Story credits
For more information, please contact Dr Clare Pickersgill, 糖心原创 via email clare.pickersgill@nottingham.ac.ukor Emma Rayner, Media Relations Manager on 07738 291242 or emma.rayner@nottingham.ac.uk
Notes to editors:
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