Issue 35 autumn 2022 - Flipbook - Page 46
Alastair Godfrey, project lead at Historic England said:
"After years of restoration work, we can’t wait to welcome
visitors from all over Shrewsbury, Shropshire and beyond to
visit this fascinating and important site and to learn more about
its role in the region and in shaping the modern world.”
‘Legacy and Impact’ which details the final transformation
and future legacy of the site for local people, businesses
and visitors alike.
Exhibition highlights include a large 3D mill model which
reveals what happened inside the building at different
points in time; an interactive touch table, physical interactives taking visitors through the process of spinning
thread and the many uses of flax; a floor projection telling
the story of the Maltings; audio exhibits providing the
opportunity to hear from former Maltings workers and
their families and those involved in the restoration project
in their own words; and a large wall graphic featuring an
iron truss from 1840 telling the story of how Shrewsbury
Flaxmill Maltings inspired skylines across the world. The
exhibition also features a multisensory AV experience in
the old Engine House; a short film which brings the Mill’s
original steam engine to life in situ and features sensory
effects of the engines and machinery.
Created by Historic England and exhibition consultants
Mather & Co, new exhibition The Mill tells the story of
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and its crucial role in the
industrial revolution. The exhibition is split into five
themes: 'Town and Transformation’, which focuses on the
development of the site and how it has influenced, transformed and helped develop the town of Shrewsbury over
time; 'Engineering and Build', which focuses on how
Charles Bage designed this ‘fireproof textile mill’ through
experimentation and innovation; ‘People and Process’,
which tells of the men, women and children at the flax
mill who suffered the harsh working conditions of this
early industrial factory, and the experiences and memories
of the maltsters and their families after the later conversion into a maltings; 'Adaptation and Change’ explaining
how the site has changed to fit with the various uses; and
A Workshop of Ideas space encourages big and small kids
to explore and test ideas behind the pioneering design and
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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