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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Swindon Heritage Preservation
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260406T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260410T150000
DTSTAMP:20260409T122921Z
CREATED:20260330T142300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260409T122921Z
UID:8112-1775473200-1775833200@swindonheritage.org.uk
SUMMARY:A Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition
DESCRIPTION:A Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition\nSwindon’s History in the Making: Local Volunteers Unveil Victorian Costume Collection at the Carriage Works \nSWINDON\, UK — Monday 6th – Friday 10th April 2026 \nThe Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition is bringing Swindon’s railway heritage to life this spring. A stunning new collection of Victorian costumes\, handcrafted by a dedicated team of local volunteers\, will be officially unveiled at a special exhibition in the historic Carriage Works on London Road. \n\nA Unique Heritage Collaboration\nThe exhibition is the centrepiece of an ambitious collaboration between Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) and Prime Theatre\, funded by the GWR Community Fund. \nThis partnership has evolved from a single-actor performance into the immersive “Meet the Smiths” experience\, designed to celebrate the migration stories of the families who built “Railway Town” as part of the nationwide Railway 200 (R200) celebrations. \n\nFrom Knitted Swimsuits to Victorian Gowns\nThe talented sewing circle behind the collection was largely formed from the Health Hydro Knitters—the same group renowned for creating the viral knitted swimsuits for the reopening of Swindon’s historic Health Hydro. \nWhile they are masters of the needle and thread\, this project offered a new horizon. \nOver a two-day intensive workshop in February\, the 14 ladies traded their knitting pins for sewing machines and heritage patterns. The project has been a significant opportunity for the group to: \n\n\nChallenge their technical abilities \n\n\nMaster period-accurate tailoring \n\n\nBuild confidence with new skills \n\n\nForge new friendships \n\n\nGain professional-grade heritage experience \n\n\n\nBringing the Smith Family to Life\nTo ensure historical accuracy\, two local historians researched the real residents of the Railway Village in 1901 using census records. \nFrom this research\, Prime Theatre has developed interactive scripts for four characters: \n\n\nMr Robert Smith \n\n\nThomas (aged 11) \n\n\nCaroline (aged 18) \n\n\nMinnie (aged 13) \n\n\nThese characters will lead interactive performances at the Railway Village Museum\, engaging visitors in authentic conversations about life during the expansion of the GWR network. \nThe “Meet the Smiths” experience allows visitors to step directly into the world of a 1901 railway family. \n\n“This collaboration with Prime Theatre and our wonderful volunteers allows us to move beyond static displays\,” says Nellie Pitts\, Project Manager at SHP.“It has been a joy to see the Health Hydro Knitters embrace this new challenge. Their craftsmanship ensures that when a child meets ‘Minnie Smith\,’ they aren’t just watching a play—they are stepping into 1901.” \n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\nEvent: Stitch In Time Costume Exhibition \n\n\nDates: Monday 6th – Friday 10th April 2026 \n\n\nLocation: Carriage Works\, London Road\, Swindon \n\n\n\nNext Stops: Easter and Beyond\nFollowing the exhibition\, the costumes will be used in the “Meet the Smiths” experience throughout the 2026 season\, including: \n\n\nSignal Festival \n\n\nSchool term events \n\n\nA grand finale during Heritage Open Days (HODS) in September
URL:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/all-events/a-stitch-in-time-costume-exhibition/
LOCATION:Carriage Works\, Carriage Works\, London Road\, Swindon\, Wiltshire\, SN1 5FB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Community,Heritage,HODs,Museum,Railway200
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=application/pdf:https://swindonheritage.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/A-STITCH-IN-TIME.pdf
ORGANIZER;CN="Swindon Heritage Preservation":MAILTO:info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
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