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Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Founded in 1938 in Whitehaven, Sekers Fabrics became a celebrated textile mill, supplying both haute couture designers and the British middle class. Its closure in 2006 marked not only the loss of local jobs but also the fading of a key chapter in the town’s industrial identity.

Sekers Objects (2023–2025), a project led by Handpicked Productions and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is dedicated to preserving this cultural legacy – ensuring the stories, innovations, and memories of Sekers live on for future generations.
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Explore garments, objects, people, and stories from the rich legacy of Sekers Fabrics.
SEARCH THE ARCHIVES

EMPLOYEES

Sekers was a key local employer for nearly 70 years, providing jobs, training, and opportunities for generations of workers. The company has left a lasting impact on the community and economy.

STORIES

Sekers was built on stories of craftsmanship, dedication, and community. For nearly 70 years, workers shared skills, friendships, and a sense of pride in their craft.

DOMESTIC

Sekers fabrics filled homes in curtains, upholstery, and clothing, each piece a link to the mill. These objects carried memories of craftsmanship, hard work, and tradition, keeping the company’s legacy alive.

GARMENTS

Sekers’ fabrics were used in garments that blended quality with craftsmanship. From everyday wear to luxury fashion, they carried the skill of local workers into the wider world.

INDUSTRY

Sekers was a vital part of the textile industry, known for its innovation and quality. It supplied fabrics to fashion, interiors, and commercial markets, showcasing local craftsmanship on a global scale.
Sekers Objects

From 2023, Handpicked Productions developed Sekers Objects, a project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. In February 2025, for the first time, these unique objects were brought together in a landmark exhibition, running from 2 – 27 February 2025.

This film offers a walk through the exhibition.

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© Sekers Archive