The Colourist Online – The Synthetic Revolution

The Synthetic Revolution: How Lancashire’s Wartime Invention Changed the World  

Exhibited at Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington 
2 October – 19 December 2025 
Part of the British Textile Biennial 2025 

Ever wondered how a humble polymer dreamed up in wartime Lancashire went on to transform wardrobes, industries, and even the planet? Last autumn, Haworth Art Gallery invited visitors to explore The Synthetic Revolution — a fascinating exhibition that delved into the story of synthetic textiles: their invention, their allure, and their lasting impact on our world. Co-curated by artist Claire Wellesley-Smith and fashion historian Amber Butchart, the exhibition marked over 80 years since polyester first took shape at the nearby Calico Printers Association Ltd (CPA) Broad Oaks Printworks in Accrington by Whinfield and Dixon. That breakthrough went on to create Terylene, Britain’s very first synthetic fabric — and the beginning of a textile revolution.  

From the sleek elegance of mid-century couture to the practicality of everyday wear, The Synthetic Revolution charted how man-made fibres reshaped the fabric of modern life. Visitors found everything from vintage garments and archival photographs to oral histories and striking contemporary artworks that reimagined what “synthetic” meant in a contemporary context.

A real treat is the inclusion of rare pieces from the SDC Textile Collection — seldom-seen treasures that show how creativity and chemistry came together to define the synthetic age. 

But this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. The exhibition also looks squarely at the challenges these “miracle fabrics” pose today. In a world increasingly aware of the plastics crisis, The Synthetic Revolution asks timely questions about sustainability, responsibility, and what our clothes really cost the planet. 

The exhibition opened in style on 2nd October, with curators Amber and Claire leading tours through the gallery’s textile-filled spaces. Guests also enjoyed a thought-provoking conversation between New York–based artist Ivan Forde and BTB Artistic Director Laurie Peake. Forde’s work, Eternal Seas — on display as part of the Biennial — uses textiles developed by Bionic Yarn, a company that transforms coastal and marine waste into high-performance fabrics. In his work, Forde weaves together histories of manufacturing, trade, and innovation, linking New York City, Northern England, and beyond in a global story of water, industry, and imagination. 

For more details, visit https://britishtextilebiennial.co.uk/ or take a closer look at the https://collections.sdc.org.uk/explore  online to explore more of this remarkable history.