Clogs away at Clitheroe Castle Museum

The work of a local retired traditional clog maker is showcased at Clitheroe Castle Museum.

The new exhibition in the popular Community Gallery features the work of Alban Snape.

Alban spent most of his working life as a clogger and the exhibition features a mixture of manufacturing history and autobiography.

Rachel Jackson, Lancashire County Council's museum manager at Clitheroe Castle, said: "This is a fantastic exhibition for visitors of all ages.

"Clogs used to be incredibly common in Lancashire and the exhibition showcases Alban's work and his skill.

"Clogs were among the best ways for working people to keep their feet dry, and they were very long lasting. Alban worked as a clogger from 1946 to 1990 when, with the decline in heavy industry and the advances in shoemaking, this once-valuable skill became increasingly redundant and he moved on to other employment.

"In the age of mass manufacturing it's great for people to be able to see such unique and handmade products.

"This exhibition has been put-together by our hard working volunteers. Once again, they've done a fantastic job. They'll be changing this exhibition space regularly for us and will be asking the public for their ideas on what they would like to see on display at the museum."

This exhibition will be on display throughout the summer.

Admission is £4 for adults, £3 for concessions. Accompanied children go free.

Limited car parking is available for disabled visitors.

For more information please phone 01200 424568 or email [email protected].

More information about Clitheroe Castle and other Lancashire County Council museums is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/museums

Clitheroe Castle Museum is managed by Lancashire County Council's museum service, on behalf of Ribble Valley Borough Council.

ENDS
Notes for Editors: Picture Caption L-R Alban Snape with volunteer Martin Peacock
For further information please contact: Julie Dobson on 01772 536616
[email protected]