A Stitch in Time | Costume Exhibition

As part of Wirral Borough of Culture 2024, A Stitch in Time sees the display of period costumes inspired by real people from Port Sunlight’s past and created by the local community.

The project

The project engaged with Wirral residents and schools to explore Port Sunlight’s rich history through untold stories of people and place, through the creation of costumes inspired by historical photographs, Lever Brothers publications and ancestors’ stories. Participants of the programme took part in regular sewing workshops led by Fashion Lecturer Anita Rochford, exploring a range of themes including The Great War and workwear to school days in the village and the infamous competition carnival wear, where fashion garments were historically made from Lever Brothers’ product packaging. The workshops also included visits to Port Sunlight and Wirral Archives to delve deeper into the history and lives behind the garments that participants were creating. Working as a group, participants created over a dozen costumes spanning a range of historical styles and stories.

A Stitch in Time has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and with support from Wirral Council.

The exhibition

Presented inside Port Sunlight’s historic Fire Engine Station – open for the first time to the general public – the costumes created as part of the Stitch in Time project are on display, alongside information about the people who inspired them. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. Donations to support Port Sunlight Village Trust’s work are welcome.

Planning your visit

Getting here: The Fire Engine Station is located between houses on southern end of Wood Street and Park Road. Look for signage boards. Postcode: CH62 4XE. Please note there is no parking available directly at the Fire Engine Station. Free parking is available on surrounding roads, however please be mindful of residents. We recommend travelling by train, with Port Sunlight station a 1-minute walk away or Bebington station a 10-minute walk away.

Accessibility: The Fire Engine Station has level access via a small ramp. There is no designated disabled parking at the Fire Engine Station, however parking is available on surrounding roads. If you’re visiting by public transport, please note Port Sunlight station has no disabled access to the platforms. Bebington station has ramp access. If you have any accessibility needs, please email us.