The Framework Knitters of 150 years ago had tremendously hard lives. They were expected to work for anywhere from 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week, in order to make enough money to feed their families. This is in stark contrast to modern day working life, with our typical ‘9 to 5’ hours, holiday leave, sick pay, and workers’ rights.
Our visitors regularly say: “We don’t know we’re born” – referencing the fact that we don’t realise how good we have it today. So, as a learning experience for myself and a fundraising opportunity for the museum, on Saturday 17th August I’ll be doing a full 14 hour shift on the frames, just as the knitters of 150 years ago did, with the aim to gain real and genuine first-hand experience of life as a framework knitter.
Matthew Hamilton
Come along and support Matt!
In honour of Matt’s sterling efforts, the museum will be open for the duration of the Big Knitathon, from 8am until 10pm. You’re welcome to join us at any time to see how Matt’s getting on and enjoy all the other attractions the museum has to offer.
We’re also planning extra activities to complement Matt’s Knitathon, such as a 14 hour ‘Griswold-a-thon Relay Race’ which will see us touring Ruddington inviting people to have a go on an authentic circular knitting machine like the one on the right. For the latest information, please visit www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk or follow our Facebook page.
Make a donation
Whether or not you can join us on the day, please help Matt reach his target of raising at least £1,000 for the Framework Knitters Museum! To donate online, please visit www.gofundme.com/f/FrameKnitMarathon. Alternatively, you can post a cheque (no cash in the post please!) or bring your cash or cheque donation along to the museum on Chapel Street.
If you’re a UK taxpayer, please remember to Gift Aid your donation so your money goes even further to support our museum. You can do this when you donate online or, for donations made in person, please ask for a Gift Aid form in the Textile Emporium.