___

VINTAGE SEWING DAY 

The New Mrs Davidson – TALK 

Saturday 7 March 2026 | 12pm – 1pm | Free entry 

Inspired by a Wedding Dress from 1911, within The Beacon Museum Collection, Becks set herself the challenge of making a ‘going away’ outfit from the period, using her 1905 Frister and Rossman Sewing Machine and learning historical hand sewing techniques.

This talk explores the research behind the project, as we look for traces of the bride, Mrs Davidson, through the records left during her lifetime in Whitehaven, Egremont and St Bees. It delves into the fashions of the era and what life was like during this period.  This talk has been developed thanks to funding from Arts Council England. 

Workshop 

Saturday 7 March 2026 | 10am – 12pm or 1.30pm – 3.30pm | Free entry

Ever wanted to have a go at sewing something on a Vintage Sewing Machine?  

Join Becks Skinner and her fantastic collection of Sewing Machines dating from the 1890s through to the 1950s, for a taste of sewing in years gone by. Becks will talk you through the Sewing Machines and some of the differences between modern sewing and historical sewing.  You will then have a chance to try them out, making a simple cotton bag.

This session compliments the lunchtime talk ‘The New Mrs Davidson’ at 12-1pm and is funded thanks to Arts Council England.  

This workshop is suitable for beginners and for all ages from 11+.  Anyone below the age of 18 should be accompanied by an adult.