AW Hainsworth, a 242-year-old woollen mill in West Yorkshire, has woven a unique tapestry to celebrate the 18th birthday of Born in Bradford, one of the world’s largest and most pioneering health research programmes.

The 8ft wall hanging was created by skilled local weavers on one of the mill’s historic jacquard looms. The richly textured piece combines heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design, bringing to life a poetic tribute to Bradford as “a town built on the softness of wool and water.”

At its heart is a poem by Yorkshire poet Ian McMillan, originally commissioned in 2007 to mark the birth of the first cohort of Born in Bradford children. The verse celebrates both the city’s industrial roots and the hope of new generations shaping its future.

The tapestry will be permanently displayed in the brand-new home of the Bradford Institute for Health Research, where it will stand as both an artwork and a symbol of the city’s resilience, diversity, and community spirit.

Born in Bradford has grown into an internationally recognised research programme, tracking the lives of over 40,000 children and their families to understand what helps communities stay healthy and thrive. Its findings have influenced public health policy, improved care for families, and tackled health inequalities across the UK and beyond. The project’s combination of cutting-edge science, community engagement, and strong local pride makes it one of the most ambitious health studies of its kind.

Professor John Wright, Chief Investigator at Born in Bradford, said: “Turning 18 is a milestone not just for our project but for the thousands of families who have been part of this journey. This tapestry is a powerful reminder that industrial heritage and health research is woven into the fabric of our city. We’re proud that such a historic local mill has helped us mark this occasion with something beautiful, lasting, and deeply connected to Bradford’s heritage.”

Amanda McLaren, Managing Director at AW Hainsworth, added: “As a mill with centuries of history in Bradford, it has been an honour to work on this piece. Weaving together tradition and modernity is what we do best, and it felt very fitting to celebrate the city’s next generation through our craft.”

Historically, AW Hainsworth provided fabrics for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and, more recently, the Anointing Screen for His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation. The company also developed the UK’s first heat and flame-retardant fabric and developed the distinctive blue cloth for which the Royal Air Force is renowned.

The specialist textile company is the parent company to Atkinson Dyeing, Hainsworth Signature Fabrics, Hainsworth Protective Fabrics, Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics, John Atkinson by Hainsworth, Natural Legacy by Hainsworth, Northern Rubber by Hainsworth, and Replin by Hainsworth.

VISIT THE AW HAINSWORTH WEBSITE

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