MUSEUM RE-OPENS 1 FEB 2025

Exhibitions

In addition to the permanent exhibits at the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, we also have a wide variety of interesting and exciting exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are housed on the middle floor of the Mill building.

There is no additional charge to enter the exhibitions, since the cost is included in our normal admission rates.

Exhibition: Sat 1 February to Sun 16 March 2025

HIDDEN

An exhibition by The Contemporary Quilt Group of the British Isles

The group were challenged to make twelve small journal quilts (one each month) including one 3D piece.

The techniques used reflected the ‘Hidden’ theme and inspiration was drawn from diverse sources such as oceans, doors, climate change, secrets and insects. Some of the work is technically complex, some deceptively simple, some are all about the design, others have a deeper story.

Together they create a fascinating insight in current practices in contemporary quilting and textile art.

Exhibition: Wed 19 March to Sun 27 April 2025

EXPRESSIONS

An exhibition by Bernice Hopper and Becca Birtles

These two textile artists come together to explore the themes of captivity, freedom and identity, disability and communication.

Bernice’s inventive approach goes beyond traditional textile art, inviting viewers to engage with complex narratives and emotions. Becca, who is a deaf artist, conveys her personal experience of hearing loss and emphasises the importance of clear communication, encouraging viewers to pause, reflect and learn.

Exhibition: Wed 30 April to Sun 1 June 2025

MIXING IT UP

An exhibition by Eclectica

The textile group are back at Forge Mill with a vibrant new exhibition which showcases their diverse approaches to contemporary textiles. Creativity and individuality are expressed through a range of techniques from mixed media to quilting, and traditional practices to quirky innovations.

Expect the unexpected!

Exhibition: Wed 4 June to Sun 13 July 2025

CURIOSITY

An exhibition by The 98 Lace Group

The 98 Lace Group are creative lacemakers with members throughout the UK. They aim to challenge the traditional view of lacemaking by giving it a contemporary twist and demonstrate the relevance of lace as an artform.

The group took inspiration from the house in Northampton (78 Derngate) designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and also from items in the Craven Museum collection in Skipton.

Exhibition: Sat 19 July to Sat 30 August 2025

TITANIC: HONOUR AND GLORY

This special exhibition contains a collection of genuine and rare artifacts from the Titanic and her sister ships Britannic and Olympic.

Discover more about the allure of Titanic through original ephemera and the personal stories of those on board.

Highlights include:

  • Some of the beautiful China dinner plates upon which the first meals were served aboard Titanic.
  • Boxed Waterman fountain pen which belonged to Titanic’s Captain Smith.
  • Glimpses of the liner’s sumptuous interior.
  • Selection of props from the film Titanic including a First Class dining room chair, costume worm by Billy Zane and the boarding suit worn by Kate Winslet.

Exhibition: Wed 3 September to Sun 19 October 2025

ARRANGING NATURE

An exhibition by Hilary Beattie

Well known textile artist Hilary Beattie is back with an exhibition drawing upon her love for the natural world.

Throughout her work she aims to inspire you to notice and marvel at all the wonderful, varied forms and motifs that natures produces to ensure that we live in a beautiful world.

Exhibition: Wed 22 October to Sun 23 November 2025

CREATIVE APPROACHES

An exhibition by Oddfellows Art

Nine artists, each with their own specialism – ranging from pottery to textiles, and printing to painting, collaborate to bring together an exhibition celebrating the natural world, working in both 2D and 3D, using pattern, colour and texture to make striking creations.

Guided Tours of Forge Mill