The Digital Threads programme

The Digital Threads programme is an ambitious series of three-year projects which will transform the Warner Textile Archive (WTA) into an accessible, digitally enabled Archive Collection. As one of the most important collections of British interior furnishing fabrics, representing over a century of design, craftsmanship and innovation, the Digital Threads programme will:

• Produce an Archive Digital Collection Catalogue for staff, academic, commercial and public research.
• Create a Warner Textile Archive Threaded Stories Education Project to improve the understanding of textile design and history.
• Create a Student Equality in Archives Access Project that enables volunteering and student placements without barriers.
• Enhance the Accessibility and Usability of the Archive Collection for commercial clients.
• Manage and resource the programme to ensure successful delivery, governance and outcomes.

What the project will do

Catalogue and Digitise 20,000 historic designs

Archive staff will work alongside students and volunteers to catalogue and digitise thousands of paper designs, handwoven and powerwoven textiles and pattern books. Accelerated cataloguing and digitisation efforts will improve accessibility to the Archive Collection as well as providing opportunities for volunteers and students to gain professional archival experience.

Bring textile history into classrooms and communities

Through the Threaded Stories education programme, the Archive will launch free primary school outreach projects and new curriculum-linked resources for GCSE and A Level students. University partnerships and student placements will help the next generation of designers, historians and archivists learn directly from the collection.

Open doors for students and volunteers

A new bursary programme and paid internships will remove barriers to participation, ensuring anyone can gain hands-on experience in archiving, conservation and digitisation.

Strengthen the Archive for the future

Improved conservation, upgraded digital infrastructure, and a robust project management framework will safeguard the collection and ensure it remains a vibrant resource for generations to come.

Why it matters

Digital Threads will transform the Warner Textile Archive to:

• Preserve fragile historic designs
• Inspire students, creatives, and researchers
• Boost commercial creativity and innovation
• Celebrate the diverse people who shaped British textile design

Through the Digital Threads project, Warner Textile Archive are investing in heritage, education, creativity and the future of the Archive Collection itself – a future where Warner’s remarkable history is shared widely, proudly, and sustainably.

Find out more about the project and how you can get involved through the links below.