07/05/2013 - Permalink

Open weekend at Flax Mill Maltings

Related topics: Community / Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

News from our partners, the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings

Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings is opening its doors for a spring Open Weekend this Saturday and Sunday (11 and 12 May 2013 – 10am to 4pm), so that visitors can come and explore the world’s first cast-iron framed building and learn more about its place in history.

This is a weekend of celebration organised by the Friends of Flaxmill Maltings, who are working with Shropshire Council and English Heritage to secure the building’s future.

The Flax Mill Maltings was built in 1797 and constructed with a cast-iron frame as a way to overcome the dangers of fire faced by industry of the time. In doing so, engineer and inventor Charles Bage created the first iron-framed building in the world and the ancestor of every skyscraper ever built. Three of the original buildings are Grade 1 listed, as is the Kiln which was constructed in 1897 when the site became a Maltings until its closure in 1987.

Alan Mosley, Chair of the Friends of Flaxmill Maltings, said: “We have a tremendous weekend planned. Not only will people be able to enjoy the past and present features of the internationally-important site but they can also look forward at plans for its redevelopment and the regeneration of the area. This will be bigger and better than the previous weekends we have organised over the last three years, when up to 2000 people have visited.”

Guided tours of the site will take place during the weekend, where visitors can learn about the history of the buildings and the people who worked and lived in the area. Experts will be onsite to talk about the discoveries made as part of the community archaeological dig and ecological surveys.

Art exhibitions and workshops will include:

  • Revitalize! Open Art Exhibition.
  • An exhibition by local artist, Mike Priest.
  • Flax Mill Maltings-inspired exhibitions and workshops from six local artists.
  • Psychedelic heritage light installation from Andy McKeown.

Richard Benjamin, co-ordinator of the Friends Community Arts Group, said: “Once the site is redeveloped, the Dye House will be the centre for the Friends community and learning activities. We want to give guests a taste of what it will be like over the weekend. As well as the open exhibition, there will be live music throughout the weekend and family workshops on offer for children and adults alike.”

Lisa Cowley, Manager of the Friends, said: “Through the drive, energy and commitment of the Friends volunteers, these important historic buildings have been made accessible so that organisations, groups and individuals can explore, learn, participate in and enjoy the unique and varied heritage. It is fantastic that there will be another chance for people to visit the site and learn about our plans. I am looking forward to meeting lots of our supporters and some new faces too.”

For further information on the Flaxmill Maltings, the Open Weekend, or to find out how you can join the Friends, visit www.flaxmill-maltings.co.uk.