New window art celebrates town's linen heritage

Knaresborough councillor Hannah Gostlow (right) and Liz Baxandall (left), from the organisation behind the window art trail, have welcomed the new painting

A North Yorkshire town's historic role in the linen trade is to be celebrated with a new work of art.

A painting is to be added to Knaresborough's window art trail, paying tribute to the town's often overlooked industrial past.

The new work, by Harrogate-based artist Helen Salmons, will be located at Green Dragon Yard, which has strong links to the town's spinning and weaving industry.

Claire Joia, who has carried out research into Knaresborough's forgotten linen trade, said: "Everybody would have worked in the industry from large manufacturers to families and children."

'Booming business'

Although historians think Knaresborough's weaving industry goes back as far as the Anglo-Saxon era, the town's linen trade really took off in the 1700s.

According to Ms Joia, at its peak every street and house would have seen some activity relating to linen production.

"Children would dress the flax, the women would spin the flax and the men would weave with it - that was a typical household," she said.

Despite the linen trade being a "booming business", it fell into decline when cotton became more popular and a lack of coal and transport meant Knaresborough could not adapt, Ms Joia added.

The window paintings give nods to Knaresborough's history, including one artwork showing Queen Philippa, who was given the town's castle by Edward III

The market town's window art trail was first created 16 years ago by community group Renaissance Knaresborough.

It was aimed at disguising bricked-up Georgian windows dating back to the era when home owners paid tax depending on how many windows their properties had.

Already featured in paintings on the trail are famous local figures such as Guy Fawkes, Mother Shipton and Queen Philippa, who was given Knaresborough Castle by her husband Edward III.

More modern themes, such as windows illustrating the Tour de France's Grand Départ, which was staged in Yorkshire in 2014, have also been added.

Over time, the art trail has grown to a collection of 16 painted windows, with works including some by Postman Pat illustrator Ray Mutimer.

The collection of window paintings has brightened up the town for 16 years

North Yorkshire Council has previously funded restoration of some of the trail's paintings as they became weathered, and the authority has also paid for the new artwork.

Knaresborough councillor Hannah Gostlow has donated £1,500 from a £10,000 locality budget towards the window art project.

Last year, she donated £600 from the budget to restore two existing paintings on the trail.

She said: "I am more than happy to support the trail again, which is loved by residents and visitors alike.

"It has become a part of our visual heritage, expressing Knaresborough's unique and creative identity both past and present.

"It is accessible to all ages and is an activity in its own right, offering a perfect way to explore the town."

Liz Baxandall, chair of Renaissance Knaresborough, said the group was "immensely grateful" for the financial support.

"Every penny is vital to keep this vibrant project going for everyone to enjoy," she said.

'Forgotten history'

Knowledge of Knaresborough's history as a centre for the linen industry had "fallen by the wayside" of late, according to Ms Joia.

"This very important part of the town's history has been forgotten and I would love the people who live here to see it shaped the whole town," she said.

"The buildings, the streets, the things they see every day - they owe it all to the linen industry."

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