The masterpiece mill

This landmark building in Barrowford was saved by the community and it is now weaving a new magic for art lovers from across the north.

- Roger Borrell

Art has the ability to entertain, inspire and provoke but does it also have the power to heal? If so, Barrowford should be among Lancashire’s most welladjusted communities.

At its heart is a warren of a building – the Higherford Mill, sitting proud beside Pendle Water since 1824. Once famous for producing check material, it was saved from demolition by the community and bought by the Heritage Trust for the North West.

Behind its sturdy walls, the clatter of steam-driven looms has been replaced by the less frenetic sounds of around 30 local people who form a co-operative producing a remarkably wide range of art.

‘I love the fact that there’s a mix of a village location and fantastic rural locations just ten minutes away’

One of those who can attest to the efficacy of art is Sarah Dearden, who mainly uses paint and pencil to produce contemporary portraits. She was taught to draw by her talented mother and ‘by the age of five, I was hooked,’ she said.

She studied fine art at college but decided to follow a career in business.

‘I was reasonably successful in what I did but I became unhappy and unfulfilled,’ she added. ‘Eventually depression took hold and I was locked in a downward spiral.’

Luckily, she had an enlightened GP who referred to a creative well-being centre in Salford. ‘I was only meant to be there briefly but I ended up attending for six months,’ said Sarah. ‘It was amazing – they re-ignited my passion for art and set me on the path to recovery.’