Bethany Staelens

Such an interesting place, the galleries are not arranged in the usual way but, at least on the first floor, thematically. The exhibition featuring sculpture was displayed as though it was either in storage or just being removed form storage. It was a novel idea, but didn't really allow the pieces to be displayed in a way that let one really appreciate them. The display of couture items, however, was top shelf.
One thing I did find very off-putting was the fact that many of the paintings were glass covered. This wouldn't have been so bad if the glass were non-reflective, but it wasn't and as a result one could see the reflection of other objects in the room, even people in the gallery. Sone art was actually invisible for all intents and purposes. Very disappointing.
In one of the galleries, there was a wall of video screens displaying performance art that was fascinating. One could spend hours taking it all in.
Highly recommended.

This is a very interesting mill museum and rather unusual as it covers both the wool and cotton trades. Tours of both sides of the mill are offered by docents and are quite informative. I particularly liked how they connected common expressions to their origins in mills, ie. "spinsters", "a cut above" "on tenterhooks". All of the equipment used is on view on both sides of the mill, but on the cotton side there are machines that still operate. Seeing them demonstrated, I tried to envision the noise, dust and danger involved in their use.
There are interactive displays as well and some wonderful period photographs.
Their gift shop has lots of interesting books and toys for children. The staff couldn't be nicer. Very friendly and helpful.