Thrifty Thursday Ross Aitken, Dawes Twine Works

Join Ross Aitken to hear about Dawes Twine Works, in West Coker, Somerset. The Dawes Twine Works building dates back to the 19th Century, and from 1830 twine was manufactured here from flax grown in Somerset. In this fascinating talk, Aitken will share stories of the building’s history and how twine was made, used and traded. A vital part of sail making, this locally resourced and produced material would have sailed the world in its’ day. The Dawes Twine Works closed in 1968 but is believed to be the most complete surviving example of a rural rope works in the country. The Twine Works has recently been conserved and Heritage Lottery Funding has led to further developments at the site. The twine making process is now set up for visitors to see, and Aitken will bring it’s rich stories to life – and make you want to experience ‘the walk’ for yourself. This is a free event, however booking is required. This event is part of Thrifty Thursdays – a series of free events running alongside the current exhibition ‘The Land We Live In – The Land We Left Behind’. Taking the exhibition as a starting point to explore themes relating to the rural, each week a different artist, writer, gardener, land-worker, academic or performer will join us. The bar will be open before the event from 5.45 pm until 6.30 pm. Please note, the main exhibition will be closed, however the Bourgeois Gallery, which is the final room in the exhibition, will be open. For those guests walking to and from the gallery in the winter months, we suggest you carry a torch to light the path through the fields after dark.

Image courtesy Ross Aitken