Mining For Knowledge Series – Purls & Picks: The Hidden Knits of Miners

Come join the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum for their monthly Mining for Knowledge series.

Purls & Picks – The Hidden Knits of Miners with Tessa Lindahl, M.A.

This topic in the Mining for Knowledge series explores the unexpected intersection between the mining and knitting industries in the Yorkshire and Westmorland Dales of England. It examines how the region’s lead miners developed a unique knitting culture, utilizing one-handed tools to create intricate knitwear during the periods when they were not actively mining. The talk delves into the historical context, highlighting how these two seemingly opposite industries, mining and textiles, actually developed side by side out of necessity, with the miners leveraging their skills and scarce extra time to produce knitted goods. This hidden knitting tradition among the miners is examined, shedding light on the ingenuity and adaptability of this workforce. Through archival research, the presentation paints a vivid picture of the daily lives of Yorkshire’s lead miners, and how their knitting activities became an integral part of the regional textile heritage. The talk is likely to be of interest to those curious about the unexpected connections between industrial and craft histories.

Join in person at the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum or virtually

$20 admission or pay what you can for in person locals with ID

Visit https://mininghalloffame.org/ and select “Tickets” then “Mining For Knowledge” to purchase online and receive video link.