
Detailed programme scroll down
Braintree Textile Fair will be back on Sunday 15 May 2022
This year the fair has been inspired by the exhibition The Art of Friendship at Braintree Museum which explores and celebrates the friendship and creativity of textile designer Marianne Straub and artist Denise Hoyle during the 1950s to 1970s, uniting their work for the first time.
Tickets to the Fair will give access to three historic town centre sites; Braintree Town Hall, the Warner Textile Archive and Braintree Museum. There will be Warner Textile Archive Store Tour, mini workshops, specialist talks including Mary Schoeser discussing the work of Marianne Straub, our shops and stall holders selling textiles, materials and unique gifts as well as the opportunity to view the exhibition the Art of Friendship. The ultimate day out for lovers of textiles!
Pre-booked tickets are £10
On the day £15
Child ticket 12 to 16 year olds £5
Children under 11 are free and don’t need a ticket
TALKS AND TOUR TICKETS CAN BE PICKED UP ON THE DAY FROM BRAINTREE TOWN HALL ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.
Book tickets here

TALKS PROGRAMME AT BRAINTREE MUSEUM times tbc
Warner Textile Archive X Dig Haushizzle with Cassie Nicholas
Winner of the 2019 BBC and Netflix programme Design Masters Cassie Nicholas, owner of decorative antiques and interiors business Dig Haushizzle, will be talking about her experience of working with the Warner Textile Archive and the launch of their collaboration on exclusive homeware range. Inspired by the designs by artist Eva Crofts the talk will include the products and the chance to see the original works by Eva Crofts.
The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives, 1660-1900 with Barbara Burman
Author Barbara Burman talks about the fascinating and enlightening study of the tie-on pocket that combines materiality and gender to provide new insight into the social history of women’s everyday lives―from duchesses and country gentry to prostitutes and washerwomen―and to explore their consumption practices, sociability, mobility, privacy, and identity. A wealth of evidence reveals unexpected facets of the past, bringing women’s stories into intimate focus.

DROP IN WORKSHOPS RUNNING ALL DAY
Twining with Katherine Tregaskes at the Warner Textile Archive
Twining is a very old basketry and weaving technique that is very adaptable to a wide range of materials being used to create 2D fabric and 3D basketry vessels. I will bring a selection of twined baskets using a wide range of materials and be demonstrating twining using colourful jute and paper string while discussing the technique with visitors. There will be an opportunity to have a go and make a small twined sampler. All materials will be provided.

Rag Rugging with East Anglian Stitch Textiles at Braintree Museum
Once associated with poverty and thrift, adding scraps of fabric to a hessian backing is now regarded as a modern day art form, particularly amongst those interested in up-cycling.
The use of rag rugs became widespread during the Industrial Revolution dying out in the 1920s, only to be revived during World War II.
At a time when we value the importance of community and sustainability, making a rag rug is as relevant today as it was when it first became popular.
Join EAST textile artists in the Victorian Classroom and learn the basic techniques to make a rag rug that you can complete individually or as part of a larger group activity.

Full Programme Information and Access
Talks at Braintree Museum
- 10:45am The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women’s Lives, 1660-1900 with Barbara Burman
- 11:45am Warner Textile Archive commercial collaboration with Cassie Nicholas
- 1:15pm Corsets, Crinolines and Camisoles with Frances Saltmarsh
- 2:15pm Marianne Straub with Mary Schoeser
Drop in Workshops
- Twining with Katherine Tregaskes at the Warner Textile Archive
- East Anglian stitch textiles: Rag Rugging at Braintree Museum
Warner Textile Archive Store Tours
10:45am, 11:20am, 12:00, 2:00pm, 2:45pm, 3:30pm
Tours are approx. 15 to 30 minutes
Displays at Braintree Museum
- Exhibition: The Art of Friendship
- Photographic Display: East Anglian Stitch Textiles: Transformations
Shopping
- Stalls at Braintree Town Hall
- Braintree Museum Shop
- Warner Textile Archive Shop
Refreshments
There will be refreshments available to purchase at Braintree Town Hall from our cratering partner Something Scrummy. Alternatively there are other cafés open in Braintree Town Centre.
Accessibility
Braintree Museum and the Warner Textile Archive are all on one level with ramps to access the entrance of the building.
Braintree Town Hall is on two levels with lift access.
This year there is no need to collect entrance tickets just bring your receipt/ ticket and start at any of our three locations.
Tickets for all Talks and Store Tours will be available to collect at a first come first serve basis from Braintree Town Hall.
Parking
Please find the link for Braintree car parks
https://www.braintree.gov.uk/directory/1/braintree-car-parks/category/1
Braintree Train Station is a short walk from all three locations
If you have further questions please contact us:
Museum.info@bdmt.org.uk
01376 328868
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