Shoe Trail Exhibition

26 NOV 2009 – 3 JAN 2010

Shoe Trail Exhibition at Rossendale Museum

Mid Pennine Arts have been working with Rossendale Museum to create a new exhibition that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Rossendale's Shoe Trail. The Shoe Trail exhibition, which is on at Rossendale Museum between 26 November 2009 and 3 January 2010, documents activity that took place before and during production of the shoe waymarkers.

From sessions with school students at All Saints High School, Haslingden High School and Fearns High School to production of the final pieces by artist Julie Miles, the exhibition celebrates the community activity that was at the core of this unique and exciting project.

The Shoe Trail takes inspiration from Rossendale's historical links with the shoe and brick industry, leading people from Rawtenstall town centre, through the Rossendale Valley and up to the Halo Panopticon at Top o' Slate. The giant shoes are positioned on the top of dry stone walling and other key sites at regular intervals where they highlight points of specific interest or outstanding views.

Rossendale Valley is famous for its shoe industry, but in the early part of the 20th century the area was also a major contributor to brick-making and manufacture. Top o' Slate was once a clay pit for the brick factories of Heys and Duckworth, Haslingden Brick and Tile Co. and R. Holding Pike Law Patent Brick works. The ceramic waymarkers provide an important tool for recognising this 'forgotten' industry.

The Shoe Trail has been developed by Mid Pennine Arts in partnership with Groundwork Pennine Lancashire and Lancashire County Museum Service and is supported by Rossendale Borough Council. A special note of thanks goes to the students of the three schools for their help end enthusiasm in designing the way markers and plaques.

The Shoe Trail exhibition can be found at Rossendale Museum, Whitaker Park, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, BB4 6RE between 26 November 2009 and 3 January 2010. The museum is open Tuesday to Thursday 1-4pm and Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm. Over the holiday period the museum is closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Admission is free and there is disabled access. 

For more information call 01706 260785. To view more work by Mid Pennine Arts visit www.midpenninearts.org.uk