This term we have been learning about the Victorian times in Redditch, specifically the needle making industry. In our Mantle story, we are inspectors who have been commissioned by Lord Shaftesbury. Following a newspaper article written by Charles Dickens about how wonderful the needle-making mills were in Redditch, we were sent to investigate. Surely conditions wouldn't be that different to those we'd found at cotton mills and coal mines around the country? We were sent to find out...

We are also taking part in a real life commission for David Allen, The Mantle of the Expert Network and The Black Country Museum. We have been asked to take part in a Living Histories event where we will work in role as needle makers being interviewed by delegates who will be in role as investigating working conditions in Victorian factories.

In role as machines in Forge Mill Needle Factory