"A Stitch in Time" is a wide display of period costumes inspired by real people from Port Sunlight’s past A rejuvenated landmark in one of Merseyside's quaintest villages is opening its doors to the public for the very first time. The old fire engine station in Port Sunlight was "brought back to life" last year. Now a studio and workshop space, the former station, which can be found in a small lane between Park Road and Wood Street, is about to welcome its first ever public arts exhibition.
"A Stitch in Time" is a wide display of period costumes inspired by real people from Port Sunlight’s past. Created by the local community as part of Wirral Borough of Culture 2024, the project explores the village's history through the untold stories of its residents - many of whom worked at William Lever's famous soap factory. Amateur artists took part in regular sewing workshops led by Fashion Lecturer Anita Rochford, exploring a range of themes including The Great War, school wear, and competition carnival costumes, where fashion garments were historically made from Lever Brothers’ product packaging.
The workshops also included visits to Port Sunlight and Wirral Archives to delve deeper into the history and lives behind the garments. Presented inside the historic fire engine station, the costumes created as part of the Stitch in Time project - funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, and supported by Wirral Council - will go on display.
