A PRICELESS 19th century artefact, which was found in pristine condition in a Kendal skip, will take pride of place at a special exhibition this month.

The Kendal Pattern Book has been safely locked away at Kendal Town Hall since it was found in a skip near Castle Mills by local historian Jack O’Conner in 1951.

The book dates back to 1769 and contains rare weave samples collected by prominent Kendal wool trader John Crewdson and offers an insight into 18th century fashions.

On Monday, July 12, Kendal mayor John Veevers will open the Kendal Pattern book exhibition at the town’s library.

The exhibition will feature replica samples and garments, storyboards, on the history of the woollen trade and the pattern book itself. There will also be spinning and weaving demonstrations.

Organiser Trevor Hughes, of Kendal Civic Society, said: “We have been told that there are very few of these books around, perhaps only four in the whole country. It is unique to Kendal and historically it is priceless.

“The book has survived remarkably well. The cloths are very fine in vibrant, bright colours. It gives us an insight into the prosperity of Kendal in the 18th century, when the town was based on the wool trade.

“It shows the sort of cloths that would have been woven here using Herdwick wool and wools from all over the world.”

The exhibition will explore Kendal’s strong association with the woollen industry and weavers will give regular demonstrations on their looms as they create replica costumes from the pattern book.

Jackie Faye, who works in the local history section of the library, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this exhibition which has been inspired by the pattern book.

“We are hoping to run workshops relating to the exhibition that people will be able to take part in over the summer.”

The exhibition, organised by Kendal Town Council, Kendal Civic Society and the Lancashire and Lakes Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, will run until September 5.