Newtown's textile museum set to open earlier this year

Newtown Textile Museum is set to open its doors earlier than scheduled this year in time for Wonderwool Wales, the popular wool and natural fibre festival taking place at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells on April 26-27.

The museum will welcome visitors from April 24-28, operating from 12 noon until 4pm daily. Organisers hope that some of the more than 6,000 annual attendees of Wonderwool Wales will extend their textile exploration with a visit to Newtown.

Following the opening, the museum will begin its main season from May 1 until September 20, with free admission throughout.

Visitors to the museum this season can enjoy a new exhibition showcasing the work of John Owen, a pioneering local photographer. Owen was an innovator who captured images of Montgomeryshire's notable residents during the mid-19th century.

In May, the museum will host talented local weaver and teacher Barbara Cole. She will conduct workshops teaching the rigid heddle loom weaving method to small groups in the atmospheric loom floor of the museum. Participants will have the opportunity to create either a scarf or hanging during these sessions.

The workshops are scheduled for May 8, 15 and 22, running from 1pm to 4pm. As spaces are limited, early booking is recommended through Eventbrite.

The museum, which is operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, is actively seeking new team members to help preserve the rich history of Newtown and its textile industry.

For those interested in handcrafted items, the museum features a shop offering a variety of textile treasures made by local artisans available for purchase.