Silk Museum unveils vibrant programme of events to celebrate Women's History Month
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 11th Feb 2026
The Silk Museum has unveiled a vibrant programme of events to celebrate Women's History Month.
This March, the museum on Park Lane will host a packed schedule of exhibitions, talks and workshops to shine a light on the hidden histories of Macclesfield women.
From expert-led talks to hands-on family sessions, the month-long programme offers a wealth of opportunities for the whole community to engage with, create, and celebrate the town's female legacy.
Silk Museum director Clare Harding said: "We're really proud of this programme, as it provides a wealth of opportunities for people to engage not only with Women's History Month but with The Silk Museum as a whole.
"Whether visitors are joining one of our new walking tours, browsing our free exhibitions, bringing the kids to a drop-in session, or attending a fascinating talk, we've ensured there's something for everyone."
The Women's History Month programme has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Macclesfield Town Council.
It runs from February 12 to April 25, throughout Women's History Month in March and the Easter holidays.
The programme has been put together by the Silk Museum's education coordinator Natalie Lane, who will also be taking women's stories on the road, delivering a series of special assemblies to local schools.
Natalie explains: "I'm really looking forward to going out to schools as we so often welcome them here to the museum.
"Being invited into their space is a brilliant way to strengthen our ties with the town, and share some of Macclesfield's fantastic stories."
The full programme of events can be found below, with further details available on the Silk Museum's website, www.silkmuseum.org.uk.
EXHIBITIONS
The Three Annies: The History Hunters
The Silk Museum's History Hunters are celebrating Macclesfield women by raising awareness of the achievements of three notable Maxonian Annies: Annie Ryles-Wright, Annie Whiston, and Annie Sutton.
Jacquard: Linda Leeson and Marion Waszkowycz
28 Feb – 25 April, Free
An exhibition in paper and stitch inspired by the Jacquard weaving process.
Unravelling in Paradise
A collection of works by artist Aimee Spilsted, shining a spotlight on the evolving legacy of Macclesfield's Silk industry.
TALKS & TOURS
Women of the Art School
Join us to find out more about the history of Macclesfield School of Art. During the talk Emily will share her research on women involved in the art school, highlighting award winners and their work. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and see artefacts from the collections.
Special Paradise Mill Tours: The Women of Silk Town
This women-centred tour of Paradise Mill tells the story of the skilled and often overlooked women who kept the silk industry running. It brings the mill to life through their work, resilience, and everyday experiences.
Women of Macc: Walking Tours
Golden Girls: 18 and 25 March, 2pm & Maverick Maxonians: 21 and 28 March, 12pm, Free
Some women leave a golden reputation, others are demonised. But the truth is rarely so straightforward! Join one of both of our Women of Macc Walking Tours and be toured around town by Daisy and Tina to discover the stories of Macclesfield Women.
Treasures from the Collection: Unveiling our Special Finds from the Women's Costume Collection
Explore the Museum's Women's Costume Collection. A rare opportunity to see historic fashion up close.
Catalyst: Tales of Women in Chemistry and Protest
Join Dr Lauren Mullin for an exploration of acts of protest carried out by women chemists in the 20th century.
Women Collectors: Uncovering the Victorian & Ancient Women in Macclesfield's Egyptian Collection
Discover the women whose lives lie hidden within the museum's ancient Egyptian collection. This 40-minute talk will be followed by a Q & A, and an opportunity to see the diary of Marianne and Mary Brocklehurst's first trip to Egypt in 1873.
Persist!
Join two lively historians (Jo Bell & Ailsa Holland) to hear speeches from some of the most important women in world history.
FAMILY EVENTS
Women of Macclesfield Museum Trail
Step into the stories of the women who built Macclesfield's legacy. Explore the Silk Museum by taking part in our Women's History Month Trail -a journey through the lives of the weavers, designers, and trailblazers who transformed an industry.
Museum Tots
Museum Tots is our weekly Thursday session for accompanied children aged 3+. Tots are supporting Women's History Month with two specials in March: On 5th, we're exploring voting rights, and on 19th we'll welcome a visit from Marrianne Brocklehurst! Includes a hot drink for adults, juice and a biscuit for the children.
Family Drop-in: Easter Egg Design
28 March, 1pm – 3:30pm, Free
Drop in for a free family craft activity. We will be taking inspiration from the illustrations of Annie Sutton in producing beautiful egg designs.
WORKSHOPS
Her Voice on Canvas
3 March, 10am – 12pm, £5
Join Beeyou Support Hive as we celebrate Women's History Month by decorating canvas bags with inspirational quotes from powerful women.
Drawing Edith Eaton with Becca Smith
Be guided by Becca Smith as you draw a portrait of Edith Eaton, (pen-name Sui Sin Far), who was born in Macclesfield in 1865 and became a prominent author in Canada. This workshop is for all abilities, no drawing experience needed, all materials included. It is being run by the New Macclesfield School of Art.
Gelli Printmaking: Inspirational Women Workshop with Jo Green
Inspiring women of history are our subjects for an action-packed day of Gelli plate printmaking with Jo Green! You'll use acrylic paints, drawing materials and be guided in image-transfer to create powerful portraits in multi-layered textures. It is being run by the New Macclesfield School of Art.
20,000 Women Zine Workshops
Artist Tyra Till will guide you through this course to create a zine about a living woman or girl, capturing everyday life, memories, hopes and achievements. This is part of a larger project coordinated by Cheshire Archives.
Unravelling: A slow-stitch and vintage textiles workshope with Aimee Spilsted
This mindful experience will focus on simple hand stitching and mending techniques, layering, and placing with calm intent to create your own piece of Textile Art.
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