The legacy of Helen Hoyte MBE, a pioneer in preserving Norwich’s textile history, will be honored at the forthcoming Shawls On Show event, featuring rare 19th-century shawls.
Helen Hoyte MBE, affectionately referred to as the “Queen of the Norwich Shawl,” was a distinguished figure in the preservation of the local textile heritage. Hoyte was a founding member of the Costume & Textile Association (C&TA) and her legacy will be commemorated during a special event titled Shawls On Show this March. The event is set to take place on Saturday, March 29, 2024, at the Victorian Conservatory in Carrow House, once the home of the NMS Textile Collection.
Shawls On Show offers a unique opportunity for attendees to view an array of 19th-century shawls that will be paraded on a catwalk and displayed within the conservatory. These shawls, showcasing the peak of Norwich’s shawl manufacturing from the 1820s to the 1870s, are sourced from private collections and are rarely seen by the public. Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, Hoyte once emphasized her commitment to preserving the history of these textiles and their makers, stating, “Old textile factories no longer remain in Norwich to remind us of the great cloth-making industry which once flourished here.”
The shawls, renowned for their intricate designs and craftsmanship, were handwoven and highly sought after, even being coveted by members of royalty. They were also exported globally, playing a significant role in the city’s economy, which flourished thanks to the textile industry. Historically, Norwich’s textile manufacturing can be traced back to the 13th century when local weavers produced prized worsted cloth from locally spun wool. The city’s advantageous position along the coast facilitated trade across the continent, establishing Norwich as a major economic hub, second only to London for centuries.
Despite facing challenges such as wars and diseases, the industry thrived until the mid-18th century when the Industrial Revolution prompted a shift of production to the North of England. The availability of cheap coal and advanced machinery diminished the cottage industries that once flourished in Norwich. However, the resurgence of shawl fashion at the end of the 18th century offered a lifeline to the surviving local manufacturers.
For over seven decades, the demand for high-quality shawls endured, as fashionable women sought out unique pieces crafted by Norwich weavers. In 1989, Hoyte and fellow enthusiasts, including Pamela Clabbon, founded the Norwich Costume and Textile Association to ensure the remembrance of this vibrant chapter in the city’s history. Hoyte’s contributions also include the publication of her books, which serve to document the heritage of the Norfolk textile industry.
Shawls On Show will take place from 2 PM to 4 PM, with tickets sold by advance purchase only. C&TA members will be charged £20, while non-members will pay £22, which includes a welcoming drink and refreshments after the event. Attendees are advised that parking will be available on-site. Tickets can be obtained by contacting coebarbara331@gmail.com.
Source: Noah Wire Services
