Cottoning On Museum Collections Review Volunteers – Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

Cottoning On Museum Collections Review Volunteers – Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

Location: Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Holcombe Road, Helmshore, BB4 4NP 

Commitment: One weekday per week 

What is Cottoning On? 

This role offers the opportunity to participate in Unlocking Collections: Cottoning On, an 18-month project funded by Arts Council England. The project focuses on reviewing, documenting and reinterpreting the Lancashire Textile Industry collection at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, which includes approximately 4,000 objects. To support this work, we are recruiting a small group of volunteers and providing training through an in-house Heritage Skills programme.  

Overview of Service:

Lancashire County Council Museum Service provides professional museum services covering collections management, curation, conservation, design and technical support to venues across the county including Lancaster Castle, Judges Lodgings in Lancaster, Clitheroe Castle, Gawthorpe Hall, Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley, and the Lancashire Conservation Studios in Preston. 

Taster Sessions: 

Please attend a taster session at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum to learn more about the role. You will not be able to apply for the role if you do not attend a session. 

Each session will include: 

• A short talk explaining the project and what to expect as a volunteer 

• A hands-on practical element 

• Time for questions at the end 

Please book onto one of the sessions by clicking on the ‘apply now’ button below: 

Wednesday 25th March 17:30-19:00 

Thursday 26th March 10:30-12:00 

After attending the session, those who wish to continue will be invited to complete a short application form, which can be returned in person or by email.  

Tasks:

Volunteer activities may include: 

Collections Review 

• Fully documenting each collection item using spreadsheets and the museum catalogue 

• Using background information from museum records to assess the significance of each object 

• Tidying and organising a neglected storage space containing objects and machinery relating to the Lancashire textile industry 

• Object handling and hands-on work moving / assembling machinery 

• Photographing collection items 

• Uncovering / recording stories behind objects  

Required Qualities:

No prior experience is required. Full training will be provided through the Heritage Skills programme, and all activities will be carried out with support from a member of museum staff. 

We ask that you: 

• Have an appreciation of the heritage sector and interest in the Lancashire textile industry 

• Have excellent attention to detail 

• Are enthusiastic and willing to learn 

• Have a friendly and collaborative disposition 

• Are reliable and can commit to regular attendance at agreed times