Coldharbour Mill in Uffculme, Devon, are ecstatic to announce the appointment of a new Production Skills Manager for their working wool museum thanks to funding from The Scottish Power Foundation.
Coldharbour Mill has been in continuous production since 1797 and this exciting news will allow this fantastic heritage site to continue producing its vibrant pure British wool yarn and textiles. This will also allow more visitors the opportunity to experience the sounds and sights of their heritage machinery working, with machinery dating back to 1898, alongside expanding its heritage textile skills programme, securing these skills for future generations.
Meg Stavaru joins the Coldharbour Mill team in November having worked previously at the Queen Street Mill in Lancashire. Meg has a plethora of skills that she brings to Devon and went to Norwich University of the Arts to receive her Masters Degree in Textile Design. Also completing an internship at Whitchurch Silk Mill.
Winner of The Batsford Prize in Applied Arts / Textile design, first prize in the Society of Dyers and Colourists Regional Heat Competition and Meg was recently selected for the Vice Chancellors Commendation Award in Norwich.
Previously Coldharbour Mill have had to limit the amount of days that they are in production, meaning there was limited training and engagement opportunities and only some visitors were able to see its heritage machines in action but this new position opens up more opportunities for others to discover and learn about textiles and the heritage of the Mill, once described as “probably one of the best-preserved textile mill complexes in the country.” By Historic England.
Creating more opportunities to work closely with schools and universities through the Mills increased ability to host apprentices, placements and work experience, in addition to the broadening of volunteer opportunities to gain experiences and skills running the vintage looms and wool spinning machines on the factory floor.
Meg said “I am passionate about the journey of woven textiles from thread to cloth. I enjoy the hands on approach and physicality of being a part of the heritage whilst continuing an age old tradition. I believe in a sustainable future where buying British is at the forefront.”
Chief Executive Martin Halse says “The timing of Meg joining Coldharbour Mill couldn’t be better as the Mill are launching a new e-commerce website specifically for the sale of yarn and textiles produced at the Mill in November, our thanks to the great support given by The Scottish Power Foundation who’s £76,000 grant has secured heritage textile production at the Mill for future generations.”
To keep up to date with the latest news from Coldharbour Mill, visit their website at www.coldharbourmill.org.uk.
