@frameworkknitters
We are a unique surviving example of a 19th century framework knitters’ yard, and still demonstrating this endangered craft. Plus exhibitions, craft workshops, group visits, performances and more. www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk
A tree with the first shoots of spring blossom in the foreground of the picture, with the frameshop and its rows of large windows behind it.
At last! The spring blossom is now out in our museum garden.
Museum gate depicting letters FWK and knitting images including stocking shapes made from new and recycled steel. The handle of the gate is a large spanner. In front of the gate is Biscuit, a small Finnish Spitz dog.
Museum gate depicting letters FWK and knitting images including stocking shapes made from new and recycled steel. The handle of the gate is a large spanner. Behind the gate you can see our small cottage garden and the large frameshop.
Artist Gavin Darby nearly at the end of installing the gate. It is covered in plastic to protect it.
BEHOLD !! We have a new entrance gate. Made by metalwork artist Gavin Darby (check out his site www.frailloop.co.uk), it is inspired by our stories & heritage. Thanks to our Friends of the Museum scheme who have funded it. We are so pleased & Biscuit, one of our staff dogs is equally impressed.
It's time to keep your appointment with ... the GREEN MAN. Today we've launched our big knitting community project for May Day. Can you help? ttps://frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/for-may-day-help-us-to-create-our-museum-green-man/
We’ve also got a very special free lunchtime talk on 30th April with Adam Hill & Samantha Deacon Hill discussing their journey in restoring a dilapidated framework cottage in Bonsall, back to its former glory … frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/free-l...
New events just gone on sale. The rehearsed reading of RIOT ACT, the new play by Andy Barrett, telling the story of the rise of the Luddites and the parallels with today is now available for just two performances on Friday 27th & Saturday 28th March … frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/the-ri...
Notts cricketeer Alfred Shaw, who was also a framework knitter. Bearded and dressed in white shirt and trousers, his larger frame is perhaps different from the more toned sports people of today.
A view across Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottinghamshire on a rather cloudy day in February.
A display of vintage cricket memorabilia, including bats, wickets and trophies on display in the Trent Bridge's library.
A visit to Trent Bridge cricket ground today. We’re developing a small exhibition for @HeritageOpenDays in Sept exploring the relationship between cricket & framework knitting. Many knitters played for Notts during the 1800s, inc. Alfred Shaw, who bowled the very first ball in a test match in 1877.
Another winning athlete who knits! We're waiting for the call from #TeamGB to help with their training #WinterOlympics www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/f...
We only posted about this yesterday and it's now sold out. It's the knitting equivalent of Oasis tickets. Great start to our re-opening.
A picture of Janet, one of our framework volunteer knitters working on a frame.
Ever wanted to have a go at framework knitting on an antique frame? Also, wouldn't it be great if there was a rather tasty supper to go with this exclusive opportunity. Well ... frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/vip-fr...
Front door of Framework Knitters Museum with prominent open sign to mark the end of the museum's winter closure.
Today!
A museum display of knitted objects, including some intestines, a rabbit and some fruit and veg, including carrots, peas in pods, a tomato and an aubergine.
A Museum display of various knitted objects, including a Christmas wreath, a chicken, three mice and a long beard.
Q: What have the following in common? Some intestines, Rasputin’s beard, a Xmas wreath, various fruit & veg and a chicken. A: They have all been knitted by staff & volunteers for various events & workshops. We’ve now turned them into a fun display for visitors. Did we mention we re-open TOMORROW?
The small single room of a framework knitter and their family from 1850. The room has a small table and two stools, brick flooring, clothes hanging on a washing line by the fire and a stocking frame by the window.
WE'RE OPEN AGAIN THIS WEDNESDAY 🎉🎉 One of our fresh highlights for visitors is the back-to-back 1850 framework cottage, showing how a single family would have lived and worked in this small space. A lovely curation job by the team.
Hey, less of the old! 🙂 Thanks for the tip-off.
Did you see us on Celebrity Antiques Road Trip last night? A show first aired in 2022 with journalist Lucrezia Millarini having a go at framework knitting. Forward to 35:35 for our clip. @lucrezianews.bsky.social www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Museum volunteer Mary Hawkins demonstrating a circular knitting machine at a volunteer workshop.
Museum volunteer Mary Hawkins demonstrating a circular knitting machine at a volunteer workshop.
Two examples of knitted socks made by Mary Hawkins on an antique circular. One pair is mainly cream, with specks of colour, whilst the other features bright coloured stripes.
More re-opening prep, as Mary Hawkins, our doyenne of the circular knitting machine presents a workshop to other volunteers about their use and how to demonstrate to visitors in our designated Griswold space. Mary’s work on an antique circular is amazing and her socks are our shop best-seller.
Display in a glass box at Staithes Museum of two human figures made from crab claws, with clothes and painted facial features. Undated, but suggests 19th century.
Exterior of Staithes Museum. Building a former Methodist Chapel.
You know how it is. Even on a weekend break, you're still in work mode. Housed in a former Methodist Chapel in the quaint fishing village, Staithes Museum in North Yorks. is utterly charming. Check out their display of Victorian crab people.
Museum volunteer Susan mopping red tiled floor in Manager's Victorian cottage.
Staff member Sophie mopping black and red tiled flooring in Manager's Victorian office.
Staff member Helen repairing a Griswold circular knitting machine. In the foreground of the picture is a Henry vacuum cleaner, ready to be used.
Picture of blue tool box used by staff member Helen for work on Griswold knitting machines. The box is open revealing a large number of small tools essential for repairs.
We re-open, following our brief winter closure, in 2 weeks time on 4th Feb. Lots of staff & volunteer activity on site cleaning cottages and repairing circulars getting ready for visitors.
A black and white image of Gill, one of our framework knitting volunteers, demonstrating the craft on a frame.
We have some successful funding news ... heritagecrafts.org.uk/our-stories/...
Image of the the Victorian cottages and frame shop at the Framework Knitters Museum. At the centre there is the crossed fingers symbol of the National Lottery, with the wording 'Made Possible with Heritage Fund'
The Framework Knitters Museum is now looking for a Collections Consultant to work with us as part of our ‘A Stitch in Time’ project, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Full details here … frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/get-involved...
Recruitment poster, featuring image of Ned Ludd, for community actors to take part in rehearsed reading of Riot Act, a new play by Andy Barrett in March 2026.
We have launched RIOT ACT. A new play by Andy Barrett about the Notts framework knitters & the rise of the Luddites. A bold piece that will receive its premiere as a rehearsed reading at the Museum in March. Community actors now wanted. Details here frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/get-involved...
Reception and entrance to Southwell Workhouse and Infirmary, managed by the National Trust.
The large, and imposing structure of Southwell Workhouse, 'neath a leaden January sky.
A recce visit today to colleagues at Southwell Workhouse. There are strong links between the workhouse & the desperate needs of the framework knitters during the 1800s. We shall be there in May sharing our craft and stories with visitors. Thanks @midsandeastnt.bsky.social
Details about our Friends scheme can be found at frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/get-involved...
Front cover of winter journal of British Association of Friends of Museums, with an image of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Short paragraph about the newsletter sent by Friends of the Framework Knitters Museum. The article compliments the newsletter advising the Museum not to be "unduly modest about their achievements"
We’re delighted that our FWK Friends scheme has been mentioned in dispatches in the Winter Journal of the British Association of Friends of Museums. Our Friends are brilliantly supportive and we’re looking forward to sharing with you an amazing contribution from them in the coming weeks.
The call for papers for Worklab 2026 in Slovenia is now open. Last year Museum Manager @davidlongford.bsky.social was at Worklab in Hamburg presenting a paper on the May Day celebrations of the Framework Knitters. See you in Ljubljana. worklab.info/call-for-pap...
A canvas print of Ned Ludd, infamous leader of the nineteenth century frame-breakers, is leaning against the wall, surrounded by its picture frame broken into four pieces, having come off the wall during the night.
Not a word of a lie. This morning we discovered a large print of Ned Ludd in our Chapel Gallery had mysteriously came off the wall during the night. Clearly, the frame-breaking continues.
In the autumn we launched our pilot programme of Framework Music Nights, as part of our new wider events offering. We’re developing this further for 2026, starting with shows from guitar duo Nicola Cipriani & Brad Myrick next month. Tickets now on sale. frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk/event/framew...
A small piece of golden coloured knitting, with a pair of knitting needles, inside a see-through Christmas bauble.
Last chance in our Museum shop to pick up some seasonal bargains for your 2026 Xmas tree. Our ‘Knit in a Bauble’ decoration made by Teresa, one of our brilliant crafty volunteers has been a big hit. We are researching an online shop to develop sales. So, watch this space.
View across two knitting frames to the snowy roof of our Circular Knitting Machine workshop.
View of our Museum frame knitters yard through the frosty window of our Victorian workers' cottage.
Wow! Blown away by the enthusiastic response to us now joining you all here on Bluesky. A massive hello, thank you and Happy New Year to you all. Here’s a couple of pics taken from our surprisingly snowy and frosty Museum this morning.
Black and white image of a Victorian knitting frame, still used to demonstrate at the FWK Museum.
Here to share more about our work celebrating the craft and graft of framework knitting, plus our new programme of events, workshops and exhibitions coming up in 2026.