Our story

"We depart from the usual portrayal of the Industrial Revolution in Wales, which is focused on the extractive industries. For over a century Newtown was an important manufacturing hub. During that time the making of woollen cloth was transformed from a domestic environment to a factory-based activity. Our unique museum is housed in an 1830s building which incorporated both living and factory space. It  provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the lives of those who lived and worked in the industry during this period of great change in our history."

The Museum building was built specifically as a hand-loom weaving factory, the looms occupying the top two floors above three pairs of two storey back-to-back houses on the lower floors.

The town’s development into a centre of industry is described through exhibits in the former cottages. On the top two floors the story of fleece to flannel is illustrated by looms and spinning wheels, alongside displays of related industries and influential local people such as Pryce Jones.

We also have exhibits of modern wool craft and demonstrations by experts in spinning, weaving and quilt making.

We hope you will find the Museum an interesting and enjoyable place to visit. We are fully accredited.