Hampshire: Silks for a lady
Lovers of fine fabrics, costume drama and industrial history will enjoy a visit to the beautiful old building that houses the Whitchurch Silk Mill. They've been making silk here by the River Test for nearly two hundred years and, even today, are still using 19th century machinery. although the water wheel that once drove the machinery is nowadays used only for demonstrations - modern electricity is much more reliable when there are deadlines to be met. Black ribbed silk, known as Ottoman, used for academic and legal gowns and the famous check lining used by Burberry were woven here until recently but today but it's beautiful bespoke silks in glorious colours used for theatrical costumes and exclusive interior design commissions that are the pride of the mill workers. A costume exhibition and gallery of photos shows costumes made for period dramas such as "Jefferson in Paris", "Pride and...
