Made in Buxton: Threads of History, Skills for the Future

Made in Buxton – Threads of History, Skills for the Future is a major year‑long programme celebrating Buxton’s rich heritage of making, creativity, and community. Running from February to November 2026, the project is delivered by Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust in partnership with Transition Buxton, and explores the town’s industrial and cultural past through workshops, talks, exhibitions, and hands‑on creative activities.

Through family‑friendly events, story‑gathering activities, and artist‑led projects, Made in Buxton invites local people to share memories of the town’s manufacturing and craft industries, from corsetry and textiles to quarrying, engineering, and everyday household skills passed down through generations. These lived experiences will help shape a collaborative stitched artwork mapping Buxton’s industrial identity.

The programme is proudly supported by the Derbyshire Makes History fund, which enables cultural and community organisations across the county to explore local heritage through creative engagement. This support underpins the project’s workshops, exhibitions, memory‑gathering activities, and community‑led commissions, ensuring free or low‑cost access throughout the year.

Louise Brooks, Head of Education & Engagement at Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust, shared her thoughts on the impact of the project: “Made in Buxton is about honouring the skills and stories that built this town while inspiring the creativity and resilience we need for the future. It’s a celebration of community memory, craft, and the pride people feel in the things we make—together.”

To keep up‑to‑date with activities, events, and opportunities to get involved, visit the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust website which is the central hub for event listings, project news, and heritage activities, or Transition Buxton which also has regular updates on workshops, sewing sessions, repair cafés, and the Library of Things. See also  their social media platforms, including Facebook, which will share ongoing announcements throughout the year.

Made in Buxton is more than a programme of events, it’s a community‑powered celebration of identity, craft, and heritage. By gathering stories, reviving practical skills, and encouraging intergenerational creativity, the project aims to strengthen Buxton’s connection to its past while building confidence in the town’s creative future.