Join us on 16th February for the first event in ‘Made in Buxton – Threads of History, Skills for the Future’ a new programme celebrating Buxton’s heritage of making, craft, and community.
Running from January to November 2026, this project from Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust and Transition Buxton, supported by the ‘Derbyshire Makes History’ fund, will explore the town’s industrial and cultural past through talks, workshops, exhibitions, and creative commissions.
The launch event invites local people share and uncover the stories that matter: memories of craft and industry, family traditions, and the skills that shaped Buxton’s identity. These shared stories will guide the year ahead as we celebrate traditional skills and explore their relevance for the future.
- Story‑Gathering Stations
Help us capture Buxton’s working memories.
Contribute to our ‘Where Did You Work?’ Map
Add a sticker to our giant map of Buxton and show where you or your family worked. Watch the town’s industrial story come to life.
- Volunteer‑Led Memory Chats
Pull up a chair, grab a clipboard, and share your memories with our friendly volunteers.
- ‘Stitching the Story’ Collaborative Artwork
Meet artist Becca Smith and explore her work.
- Local Industry Table
Discover images, catalogue entries, and snippets from Cooper’s Corset Factory, quarrying, and other local industries. Add your own memories to the timeline.
- ‘Skills for the Future’ – Stitch Don’t Ditch
What skills should Buxton keep alive? Sewing, mending, baking, engineering, tool‑use, design…
- Quiz & Prizes
Test your knowledge of Buxton’s making and manufacturing heritage.
Family‑Friendly Making Activities
Perfect for little makers (and grown‑up ones too):
• Button sorting tray – Sort, pattern‑make, and chat about who in your family sews or mends.
• Mini maker badges – Decorate your own badge: Maker, Fixer, Designer, Builder, Sewer, and more.
• Thread‑the‑shape boards – Sew with wool through cardboard shapes inspired by Buxton’s industries.
• Heritage matching game – Match tools, objects, and materials to the jobs they belonged to.
This event is all about celebrating the people, skills, and stories that have shaped Buxton. Come along, share your memories, make something new, and help us show what ‘Made in Buxton’ really means.
The Assembly Rooms, The Crescent Hotel, Buxton
Contact lbrooks@buxtoncrescenttrust,org for more information or if you have a story to share.
