The Warner Textile Archive, located in Braintree, Essex, holds an inspiring and unique collection of more than 60,000 textiles, 10,000 paper designs, pattern books, record books, photographs and documentary material. Elegant velvets and brocades are preserved alongside vibrant printed works, all reflecting the stylistic currents of their time.

The collection also casts light on the textile production process; print blocks, photographs and Jacquard cards provide an insight into the weaving and printing techniques used by generations of Warner employees.  In addition, we preserve nearly 1,000 textile items collected by the Warner designers for inspiration over the years, including hand beaded caps from Africa, embroidered kimonos and a stitched coat from Kazakhstan.

The Archive is housed in an original Warner & Sons mill building. The old power loom shed was bought and restored to conservation standard to store and display the company’s remarkable legacy.

Visitors to the Archive will find a permanent display exhibiting some of the collection’s treasures, including the creations of renowned twentieth century designers such as Alec Hunter and Eddie Squires, and the opulent silks woven for royal coronations. These are complemented throughout the year by a colourful calendar of temporary exhibitions.

Join us on our programme of professionally-delivered, friendly workshops and talks. Learn new skills that you can use again and again. All workshops are delivered by professional workshop leaders who are specialists in their chosen field.

Availability is limited, so to book your place on a workshop or talk please contact the Archive by calling 01376 316780 or emailing info@warnertextilearchive.org.uk