GAGETOWN (GNB) – Queens County Heritage, through the Community Cultural Places program, is receiving a grant of $56,250 for the rehabilitation and re-use of the Loomcrofters Studio, contents and business archive.
The studio and contents will be moved from the current site on Loomcrofters Lane to the grounds of the Tilley House. Following the move, the building will be open to the public during regular Tilley House operating hours and will offer special events and programs.
“The relocation of the Loomcrofters Studio to the grounds of Tilley House will bring together heritage and cultural activities in a small community for the benefit of residents and visitors,” said Premier David Alward. “Our government places a high value on these opportunities, because not only do they strengthen the New Brunswick economy, but they also help bolster pride of place and improve the quality of life that makes our province special.”
The Community Cultural Places program was established after the launch of Creative Futures – A Renewed Cultural Policy for New Brunswick. Community-based initiatives that repurpose, restore or renovate significant heritage places to become cultural infrastructure, intertwining arts and heritage resources and provide access to those resources, are eligible for funding under the program.
“The Community Cultural Places program was a key step in implementing our renewed cultural policy,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Trevor Holder. “We are tremendously pleased to see this innovative heritage project develop in Gagetown. With the addition of the Loomcrofters Studio, the Tilley House will be an even stronger cultural and historic hub in the community.”
The Loomcrofters Studio building is one of the oldest structures still in use on the St. John River. The Loomcrofters, founded by Patricia Jenkins, gained world renown for their expertise in tartan design and production, including the design of the New Brunswick Tartan in 1959.
The Tilley House was the birthplace of New Brunswick’s Father of Confederation, Sir Leonard Tilley. As well as marking Tilley's birthplace, it’s a museum dedicated to the preservation of Queens County history.
LINK:
12-08-14