Jane Austen Inspired Silk Ribbons Released
Whitchurch Silk Mill and Jane Austenâs House collaborate on special edition Jane Austen inspired ribbons, woven on the Millâs heritage looms by expert silk ribbon weavers.
Image by Kirsty Bowen photography
Jane Austen’s House is delighted to release this collection of 14 special edition, limited availability silk ribbons, created by Whitchurch Silk Mill and inspired by Jane Austen’s House. Now available to purchase via our online shop or in person at our Gift Shop.
These silk ribbons have been meticulously woven over the last 12 months on heritage looms by expert weavers at Whitchurch Silk Mill, just 20 miles from Jane Austen’s House in Hampshire, and are inspired by our collection of precious Austen artefacts including jewellery owned by Jane Austen, rare editions of her novels, historical wallpapers in the House and more.
Each ribbon is charmingly named, referencing beloved characters and destinations from Jane Austen’s novels and the people and places she loved, such as the Darcy, Chawton, Barton and Dashwood!
Creel with ground warp. Image by Whitchurch Silk Mill.
Silk ribbon weaving is listed on the Heritage Crafts Red List and we are so pleased to have collaborated with Whitchurch Silk Mill to help keep this endangered craft alive. There are only four Silk Ribbons Weavers left in the UK, with Whitchurch Silk Mill employing one of them. The process has many stages including winding, warping, twisting on, pulling through and settling before they can be woven and finally cut into the beautiful ribbons you see here.
'I have determined to trim my lilac sarsenet with black sattin ribbon just as my China Crape is,âRibbon trimmings are all the fashion at Bath, & I dare say the fashions of the two places are alike enough in that point to content me.â' Jane Austen writing to her sister Cassandra, March 1814
Image by Kirsty Bowen photography
These are a truly special item, showcasing heritage craftsmanship, and would make the perfect addition to your haberdashery box, craft project or displayed as the beautiful objects they are. Authentically woven on heritage looms, they have an exemplary quality in comparison to modern ribbons and would provide an authentic historical touch to a regency outfit. Ribbons woven by Whitchurch Silk Mill have been used in period film and television including the 1995 adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, Titanic and more!
We’d love to see how you use and display your ribbons. Share how you craft, create and costume yours with us on social media or via email.
There is limited availability of these special edition ribbons. Head to our online shop to browse the collection, or visit our Gift Shop in Chawton to purchase your own piece of history. All profits support both Jane Austen’s House and Whitchurch Silk Mill to continue their work.
Learn more about the weaving process here.
