From Swaddling Clothes to Winding Sheet - textiles in every part of life

Holy Innocents Church Fallowfield was delighted to be part of the 2012 Manchester Histories Festival. Our exhibition was collected from members of our community and beyond. It reflected how, at every stage and part of human existence, textiles are a precious and all-embracing part of our lives.

The textiles in the exhibition were not clothing; some of them were worn on the body – but often in addition to clothing, or to mark a particular allegiance, profession, or occasion - others were used to furnish or clean our homes, or to make our lives easier or more comfortable, and some carried a message.

Exhibit 1: 'Water of life, cleanse and refresh us'

Flat irons at base of font Dish cloths, tea towels, dusters, flannels, bathmats and the process related to them (ironing board and clothes-horse)

Exhibit 2: 'Now I lay me down to sleep'

Hand embroidered bedspread Samples of various fabrics on blue backing fabric

Exhibit 3: 'Satan find work for idle hands'

Patchwork, embroidery, threads with Singer sewing machine Lace making, bobins, darning mushroom and tin of buttons

Exhibit 4: 'Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean'

Pile of Christy towels, navy blue and pale blue

Exhibit 5: 'Who makes me dwell in saftey'

Soft furninshings including runners and cushions Chair throw

Exhibit 6: 'Through all the changing scenes of life'

Hair ribbons, ties and toys, some belong to organisations and schools, others demonstrate allegience to clubs and society

Exhibit 7: 'From swaddling cloths to winding sheet'

Christening robes, wedding veils, shawls, scarves and finally a shroud The shroud - the last textile of our earthly lives

Exhibt 8: 'Brightly gleams our banner'

Church banner with the inscription 'Sursum Corda' - banner in pale blue and worked in Gold work' Small maroon banner with inscription in gold 'Blessed are the pure in heart'

Fairtrade banner - home-made banner black on white sheeting

Exhibit 9: 'They cast lots for his clothing'

Newly restored festivel cope with pale blue velvet trim - goldwork Festival chasuble - with radial goldwork and Agnus dei at centre