Project designed to shine a spotlight on Sudbury's roots with silk industry

A public garden in Sudbury has been redeveloped to pay homage to the town’s rich silk heritage.

Spearheaded by voluntary organisation Sudbury in Bloom, the group recently unveiled the regeneration project.

Group chairman Chris Storey said he hoped the initiative will shine a spotlight on Sudbury’s roots with the silk industry.

“It’s bringing something to the centre of town which is directly relevant to its history; it has been used for many centuries,” he said.

“We have done a lot of work to make the garden as informative and interesting as possible.”

The green space features a designated area of plants typically used to dye silk, along with information boards centred around the industry, along with a wooden structure representing a silk weaver at work.

“The dye plants, which are the mainstay of the plant area, will interest a lot of people,” added Mr Storey.

Four primary schools from the Sudbury area will explore the history of the silk industry as part of a new learning initiative called Creative Young Weavers.

Hosted at Sudbury Library, youngsters will take part in a series of interactive sessions with textile artist Frin Arnold.

Praising the initiative, library and information adviser Trish Turner said: “Creative Young Weavers will bring more families and young people into the library and we are proud to celebrate the rich tradition of silk weaving in Sudbury, sharing it with future generations.”

Derek Davis, Babergh District Council’s cabinet member for communities, said the project would provide further insight into the town’s heritage

“The creation of the Sudbury Silk Stories film and last year’s silk festival was a fantastic way to showcase a key part of Sudbury’s heritage, which attracted more than 5,000 visitors and involved local schools and partners.

“We are proud to continue to support these wonderful initiatives and, by engaging with the next generation of artists, we hope the legacy will continue over coming years.”

He added that the project would enable students to master skills in the art of textiles, while creating their own work using locally produced recycled materials.