1. You are here:
  2. Homepage
  3. Brushes, Bobbins, and Banter

Back to results

Brushes, Bobbins, and Banter

St Mary's Church, Mount Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4QQ

  • Multiple dates available
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking not required
  • | Exhibition

The ordinary is often extraordinary, and Diss Museum will be celebrating the remarkable lives of everyday workers from Diss and district. The weekend event shines a light on the town’s rich industrial heritage, with a focus on brush and lace making.

Diss Museum Collections

Diss Museum Collections

Group of Diss lace makers sat with their work.

Diss Museum Collections

Diss Museum Collections

A female worker sweeping fibres from the floor of the weaving sheds in the Aldrich Brush Factory.

Katie Weedon

Katie Weedon

Members of the 2026 Museum opening parade holding workers' protest signs, remembering the 1926 strike.

Diss Museum Collections

Diss Museum Collections

Diss lacemaker, Alice Savoury, making cushion lace in front of a display of lace.

Diss Museum Collections

Diss Museum Collections

Two female lace makers sat outside of a cottage, making cushion lace in their laps.

Explore the heritage of local brush makers and the Diss Lace Association as a cottage industry. Through discussions, displays and exhibitions, discover the hidden stories of Diss residents, past and present. Listen to compelling oral histories that bring stories of everyday working people to life, capturing the voices and experiences of those whose contributions left a lasting impact on their industries and neighbourhoods. Take a moment to relax in our pop-up café, where refreshments will be available. Meet others, share memories, and even record your own story, helping to preserve the heritage of Diss for future generations.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:
11:00-16:00
Sunday 13 September:
13:00-16:00

Location & directions

St Mary's Church, Mount Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4QQ

Directions:
Hosted at St Mary's Church, Diss, in the centre of the town at the top of Market Hill. It is opposite and visible from the museum. Stewards to the museum will be present to direct and support visitors during the event.
Contact on day:
Jan Smith
Telephone number:
+447746586799

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

St Mary's Church, where much of the event is hosted, has wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and is a largely level space. Diss Museum is also wheelchair accessible but does contain two steps between the two rooms. There are disabled parking bays outside the museum. For those with visual impairments, oral history recordings will be playing and sighted guidance will be available if requested.

Check out our online channels

Back to results

Other nearby events

Brush Making Talks

St Mary's Church, Mount Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4QQ
Multiple dates available
In person
Pre-booking preferred

Join Ken Doughty to learn about the rich history of brush making, both a local industry to Diss and a staple market across the country for centuries. Discover the Tramp Route of brush makers across England and the lives and craft of these workers.

Behind the Scenes at the Corn Hall Diss

The Corn Hall, St. Nicholas Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4LB
Multiple dates available
In person
Pre-booking not required

Join us at The Corn Hall Diss this Heritage Open Days on a guided tour and discover its hidden heritage.

designermakers21 and the Winfarthing Anglo-Saxon Project

Designer Makers 21, 21 St. Nicholas Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4LB
19 Sep 2026
In person
Pre-booking not required

Artists and creators at designermakers21 are being inspired by the Winfarthing Anglo-Saxon Project. Come and visit them in their studios to see demonstrations and take part in a variety of craft activities.