Additional information
by Gillian Birch (Author)
(A4 FULL COLOUR BOOK) Macclesfield Silk Pictures recounts the history of Macclesfield's heritage silk industry and the stories that lie behind each woven or printed silk picture. These highly collectible scenes depict Cheshire landmarks, significant events, stately homes, local schools, characterful rural life and historic inns. Each beautiful Macclesfield silk picture is illustrated in full colour to accompany the story that lies behind it. From the early generations of the Brocklehurst family to the final iconic image of the "Last Handloom Weaver", this well-researched book is packed with informative snippets and little-known facts. It brings Macclesfield silk history vividly to life as it weaves together the tales behind local landmarks and events that inspired each beautifully detailed silk picture. As you read about BWA's best-known series of 25 woven silk pictures, you will discover a host of fascinating facts and associated stories along the way: -Learn why BWA featured the AVRO on the first woven silk picture in 1946-Read about the garret weavers and how steam-powered weaving trebled Macclesfield's population-Discover the connection between the Travelodge building, the Good's Wharf and the Old King's Head at Gurnett -Touch on royal history with the spinning of Macclesfield silk for the Queen's wedding dress-Learn why Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the town, inspiring the vividly colourful scene around the Market Cross-Read how Macclesfield got its name-Delve into the history of Macclesfield Castle, once known as "Buckingham Palace" -Discover the purpose of Paddler's Pool at Hurdsfield -Understand how the Mayflower and Sulgrave Manor became the unlikely subjects of Macclesfield silk pictures -Identify the buildings lining Prestbury Village and learn the significance of the missing red Mini -Discover how the disputed ownership of Gawsworth Hall led to a duel in Hyde Park!-Learn the true meaning of the "Hanging Gate" inn-Read the legend behind the Wizard at Alderley -Learn about Capesthorne Hall, one of the loveliest local landmarks -Discover why Little Moreton Hall is so-called-Read about Macclesfield's two railway stations which operated just 450m apart-Enjoy a potted history of the King's School, BWA's final woven silk pictureMacclesfield Silk Pictures also touches on B.W.A. printed silk pictures, including hunting tableaux and long-forgotten scenes, such as the shambolic outdoor market on Water's Green, complete with the ubiquitous Granelli's ice cream van.The book also includes silk pictures by other noteworthy Macclesfield silk companies including Cartwright& Sheldon, Spurcroft, and James Arnold Tie Specialists. These include scenes of Macclesfield High School, the Old Library, the 108 Steps, and a map of Cheshire presented to the Queen on her visit to the King's School in 2002. Finally, a quick roundup of the Silk Museum, the Heritage Centre and fascinating guided tours of the preserved Paradise Mill may tempt readers to get out of their armchair and discover Macclesfield silk history for themselves!
Author Biography
Born and raised in Macclesfield, Gillian Birch is a freelance travel writer and avid collector of Macclesfield silk history memorabilia. With a diploma in journalism, she is the published author of 11 travel books. Her collection of Macclesfield silk pictures with their familiar local scenes kept her Maxonian roots alive as life and work took her overseas. She now brings together local silk history, interesting facts and a passion for Macclesfield silk pictures in this glorious full-colour definitive book.
