TH Wider Activities
Lime Mortar Workshop
Delivered in partnership with the Padiham Townscape Heritage scheme and master plasterer William Oakes, this training opportunity provided participants with an insight into the use of lime mortar. The one-day taster course that took place in October 2019 provided hands-on experience covering choosing the right lime, how to mix and re-point with lime mortars and a practical have-a-go session.
The day also included a tour of Gawthorpe Hall to see fascinating examples of 17th Century lime plastering.
Traditional Signwriting Workshop
Facilitated by signwriter/artist Shane Johnstone, a unique workshop providing an insight into the traditional skill of sign painting was held in October 2019.
This two-day taster course provided participants with hands-on experience of all stages of sign-making from typeface selection, layout, basic lettering, gilding to outlining, hi-lighting and shadowing effects.
This fascinating workshop begin with instruction in how to make and hold a sign writers’ essential tool, the traditional mahl stick. Participants then practiced the skill while learning about the history and language of the craft to create their own hand painting sign to take home.
With special thanks to our facilitator Shane Johnstone, Padiham Town Council for use of the Town Hall, and Mooch café for providing a lovely lunch.
Padiham Forgotten Crafts Remade
Working with local textile artist, Lisa Ryan, a series of free textile workshops took place earlier this year to engage people in traditional textile pastimes. The workshops included Hand Embroidery, Pulled Thread Work and Hand Applique.
With special thanks to our facilitator Lisa Ryan, our host Picture House Art Gallery, and to Café Mooch for providing refreshments.
The Padiham Writes Project
In Autumn 2018 over the space of one month, a group of local people took on the challenge to research and write creative pieces inspired by Padiham’s past. The collection includes a mix of characters and settings, myths and folklore, and a lot of Lancastrian humour, which can be downloaded below.
Painting Padiham 2018
Painting Padiham returned for its second year on Saturday 12th May 2018.
58 artists took part on the day positioned at various locations around Padiham Town Centre and Gawthorpe Hall grounds and 55 artists submitted work as part of the competition. The event attracted over 1000 visitors to follow the trail and see the artists at work, as well as enjoying creative workshops and attractions. The artwork was exhibited at Picture House Gallery and 150 people came to the launch event to see the winners announced.
First Prize was awarded to Pam Potter who painted the River Calder from Lune Street (‘Calder Lune’) receiving £1000.
The Padiham Town Council Prize went to Geoff Butterworth who painted Burnley Rd from Storm Art Gallery window, receiving £750.
Third Prize was awarded to Ian Norris who painted inside Gawthorpe Hall, receiving £500.
And the People’s Choice Award, chosen by social media voters went to Emma Hopkinson who painted Padiham Memorial, receiving £250 plus artists materials.
Thank you to all who took part on the day and special thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, A1 Motor Store and Padiham Town Council for supporting this event. Thank you also to our other supporters, Hare & Hounds, Padiham Paints, Picture House Gallery, The Hardware Store, Mooch Cafe87.
Padiham on Parade 2018
Glorious sunshine greeted thousands of visitors who flocked to Padiham for the 1940s weekend 30th June-1st July 2018. Organisers turned back the clock to the 1940s for the two day extravaganza that saw the town buzzing with excitement. Visitors to the event also got the chance to see military re-enactors, live demonstrations and military and vintage vehicles on display around the town.
On the Sunday a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the town’s war memorial followed by a uniformed parade to the town hall where a Service of Remembrance took place with pupils from Padiham Primary Schools reading out the names of all the soldiers killed who attended school in the town. Burnley’s MP Mrs Julie Cooper attended the service along with other civic dignitaries and representatives of uniformed organisations and Cubs, Scouts and Guides. Two Royal Chelsea Pensioners and a contingent from 202 FD Sqn 75 Engineer Regiment also attended.
Local shops and businesses got behind the event by dressing shop windows with flags, bunting and other wartime memorabilia. Vacant properties with the Townscape Heritage project area were given a makeover for the event with printed window boards including historic images of Padiham and its people.
