Group Visits & Talks

We welcome group visits to Braintree Museum and the Warner Textile Archive and offer a vibrant programme of tours to suit all levels and interests. Our tours offer behind the scenes access to the collection and an opportunity to delve deeper into the history of Warner & Sons. Visits include a guided tour of the Warner & Sons Gallery at Braintree Museum which showcases the vast textile history of the company with designs dating from the 1820s through to the 1970s. Displays at Braintree Museum also include information on key industrial developments in the area including Crittalls and Courtaulds. Visits to Braintree Museum offer the chance to see hundreds of years of local history in one place, alongside our gift shop offering unique products, and our café delivering breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon teas. Groups then have a short walk from Braintree Museum to see behind the scenes at the Warner Textile Archive.

What Our Visitors Have To Say:

“Extremely well curated and fascinating subject matter”.
“I am completely delighted with what I have seen here today”.
“Superb tour of Braintree Museum and the Warner Textile Archive. Engaging and knowledgeable guide”.

Tour Options

We have several thematic options for groups visiting behind the scenes at the Warner Textile Archive and Braintree Museum.
You will be asked to select an option at the time of booking.

“Britain Can Make It”:
Warner & Sons in the 1930s – 1950s

The 1930s was a period of economic and design shift. Warner & Sons re-established themselves as designers and weavers of bold modern patterns during the decade, and embraced the geometric style popular at the time.

Post-war design incorporated bright, elegant and optimistic patterns for customers wanting energetic and dynamic designs after several years of austerity.

Learn about this period of upheaval and design adaptability with a tour at the Warner Textile Archive.

Helpful Information

Our team is happy to work with you to ensure that your group visit is enjoyable. If you have any special requests or questions please get in touch at info@warnertextilearchive.org.uk.

Group visits are £20 per person and have a duration of approximately 2 ½ hours.

All group visit options include refreshments of tea, coffee and cake delivered by our on-site café at Braintree Museum, Something Scrummy. If you would like to add lunch or afternoon tea at Something Scrummy after your visit, please let us know and we can make arrangements to email you their current menu.

Please note that our minimum number for a group is 10 people, with a maximum of 30. We can accommodate larger group numbers by arrangement. We can deliver tours to smaller groups if the minimum equivalent fee is paid.

Please confirm all details with us at least 28 days in advance including dietary requirements, approximate numbers and any special requirements.

Payment will be invoiced and required on the day of your visit. Payment for the visit must be paid in one transaction, we cannot accept individual payments on the day.

Braintree Museum and the Warner Textile Archive are both accessible for wheelchairs. Disabled parking by arrangement. Please let us know in advance of any additional accessibility needs.

Both our sites are situated in Braintree town centre and we do not have a car park for visitors. We are a short walk from both Braintree bus station and railway station and there are several public car parks in the town.

How To Book Group Visits

Please complete our group visit enquiry form.
Once we receive your group visit request, a member of our team will be in touch to confirm your visit details and clarify any further requirements. You will be asked to complete a booking form to reserve your visit slot. If you would like to discuss your booking informally via telephone, please call us on 01376 316780.

What To Expect When You Visit

All group visits begin at Braintree Museum and involve a short walk through town to the Warner Textile Archive.

When you arrive at Braintree Museum you will be met in our gift shop by your tour guide who will deliver your guided introductory tour, which lasts around 20 minutes, and show you where your refreshments will be served.
Free time is included to explore the Warner & Sons Gallery and Braintree Museum at your leisure. You will then make your way to the Warner Textile Archive for your visit which will last approximately one hour, before your group departs.

We have a gift shop at Braintree Museum and time is allocated during your visit for browsing. All proceeds of shop purchases help us look after the collections. Please also visit our online shop after your visit too.

It should be noted that during your visit seating is limited due to the nature of the event. Please let us know if you require additional seating for your group.
Please don’t forget that there is a short walk between Braintree Museum and the Warner Textile Archive.

Please note that bags, umbrellas and suitcases must be stored in our secure lockers in the foyer at the Warner Textile Archive, and coats will be hung on our rails.
No food or drink should be consumed on-site unless in a designated area.
Photography is not permitted at the Warner Textile Archive.
During your visit behind the scenes at the Warner Textile Archive you will be asked not to touch any of the objects displayed and be aware of your surroundings so as not to damage any of the collections.

Talks

We offer a programme of talks delivered to groups off-site or online on a number of topics exploring the history of Braintree and Warner & Sons. Expert speakers will give your group a glimpse into what our collections have to offer.

We look forward to visiting you soon.