Lancaster’s Historical Textile Printing Factory Turns 100 With Museum Exhibition
Image By Courtesy of Standfast & Barracks
Standfast & Barracks celebrates its Centenary with a schedule of exhibitions, open days, design competition & many more local and customer events
Lancaster: In celebration of a century of rich heritage, the Lancaster Museum will open a special exhibition commemorating the storied history of Standfast & Barracks, a cherished Lancaster textile printing factory that is woven into the fabric of the community.
The exhibition is set to open its doors from April to June, inviting visitors to step back in time and explore the fascinating journey of Standfast & Barracks.
This historical textile printing factory, which has been an integral part of Lancaster's industrial landscape since its inception in 1924, has witnessed the evolution of the textile industry over the past 100 years.
It still operates from the same Caton Road site since it was established in 1924 and has grown into a multi-million-pound business printing over one million metres of beautiful fabric every year.
Visitors to the museum will have the opportunity to delve into the factory’s history through an array of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
From the rhythmic sounds of silk screen machine to the skilled hands of printers, the exhibition promises to transport attendees to a bygone era, providing a glimpse into the intricate process of textile production that defined Standfast & Barracks.
Notable highlights of the exhibition include rare artifacts showcasing the evolution of textile machinery, vintage photographs capturing the daily lives of factory workers, and interactive displays that allow visitors to engage with the printing process firsthand.
The immersive and interactive experience is designed to appeal to both residents keen on revisiting their community's industrial roots and tourists seeking a unique cultural encounter.
Established in 1924 in the heart of Lancaster, Standfast & Barracks is renowned for its impressive heritage of textile printing with expertise in both conventional printing techniques and ground-breaking digital inkjet technology.
The first in the UK to introduce Durst advanced digital inkjet printing technology, Standfast & Barracks aims to be Net Zero emissions by 2030 whilst proudly being Planet Mark certified for the
In 2020, Standfast & Barracks was honoured to receive the prestigious Queen’s Award for International Trade.
It is estimated that just under half of everything designed and manufactured at the mill is eventually sold overseas making Standfast & Barracks a truly global business offering stunning designs as well as innovative new products backed up by exceptional service to both existing and new customers.
Emma Douglas, Creative and Commercial Director for Standfast & Barracks, expressed her excitement about the upcoming exhibition, "As we celebrate a century of Standfast & Barracks, we are delighted to partner with the Lancaster Museum to showcase the remarkable journey of our textile factory. This is not just an exhibition; it's a tribute to the dedicated individuals who have contributed to our legacy and a chance for everyone to witness the rich history that has shaped our community. The Lancaster Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Lancaster, and this exhibition aligns seamlessly with this mission.”
A Year Of Events
The Lancaster Museum exhibition kicks off a yearlong schedule of celebrations that are a must-visit for history enthusiasts, textile aficionados, and anyone interested in experiencing the vibrant tapestry of Lancaster's industrial past.
Last month, Standfast & Barracks announced a design competition with all Lancaster Schools and Colleges aimed at unleashing the creativity and innovation of the local student community.
Open to students across multiple age categories, the competition is an engaging platform for students to foster a sense of community collaboration and provide a unique opportunity for participants to bring their design visions to life.
The winners, announced in May, will be invited on-site for a tour and to watch their fabric design being printed.
For more information on the design brief, contact centenary@standfast-barracks.com
The iconic grade II listed clock tower at Standfast & Barracks, designed by Lancastrian Edward Paley and completed in 1864, is scheduled to be restored to mark the occasion.
The clock and four clock faces will be refurbished, fully working again, and lit at night.
The Local heritage group Lancaster Civic Vision will also unveil a plaque on the clock tower in June as well as the launch of the Clock Tower Club in September.
