Fashion and interiors enthusiasts are in for a treat later this month when a local mill opens its doors to the public for the first time.
Marton Mills, founded in 1931 and located on the riverbank in Pool in Wharfedale, is holding a pop up shop on Saturday 26th May, where visitors can browse and buy British made fabrics, throws and cushions – all produced by the Yorkshire mill’s team of highly skilled and experienced craftspeople.
Laura Watts, who runs the family-owned business, says, “Our usual customers are large companies that buy in bulk, which means we find ourselves with fabrics in quantities that are too small for commercial buyers but ideal for upholsterers, dressmakers, sewing enthusiasts, tailors or crafters. We’ve had a lot of people ask whether we have any fabrics available to buy in smaller quantities, so we decided to give the shop a try.
“There’ll be hundreds of fabrics to choose from – from pure wool tweeds, tartans and wool blends to synthetics and finished products, such as throws and cushions – and we’d love to see them in the hands of creative people!”
Laura says she would like to see the pop up shop become a regular event: “There are so many talented people and companies in Yorkshire committed to local sourcing, and I’d love to make this a regular occurrence to serve this market, or even open our own permanent mill shop,” she says.
The Marton Mills pop up shop will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 26th May at Pool Mills, Pool in Wharfedale, Otley, West Yorkshire LS21 1TA.
