The Textile Society's Manchester Antique and Vintage Textile Fair 2026
About this Event
The Textile Society’s Antique and Vintage Textile Fair in Manchester (now in its 32nd year) is a key event in the Textile Fairs calendar. A hub for all passionate collectors of textiles, it was the first antique fair to specialise entirely in textiles.
It brings together antique and vintage textile dealers from around the globe. You will find an array of items from Asia, Europe brought to you by leading specialists. Many dealers are world renowned experts who offer advice to Museums, Archives and Collectors.
You will find costume, textiles, accessories to suit all pockets and taste. From 17th and 18th century to mid-century; precious remnants to court dress and world textiles.
The fair is an exciting and abundant source for objects and ideas, whether wall art or wearables, the beautiful or the kitsch. For those who care about sustainability, the upcycling and repurposing of the old into something unique and personal for fashion or interiors you will be spoilt for choice.
If you are a student of design, textiles, a maker there is a wealth of inspiration. This is an annual event that you do not want to miss!
Armitage Centre, Moseley Road, Fallowfield, M14 6HE, Manchester
Open: 10.00am - 4.00pm (Early Bird entry from 8.00am)
General Admission: £8
Textile Society Members/Student: £5
Early Bird Entry from 8.00am: £20
Ticket includes access to free talks, throughout the day
11.30am From Craft to Art: the Evolution of Tentmaking since 1875
1.00pm Threads of a City: Manchester Tapestry Project
2.00pm Pat Frost: 30 Years at Christie's
Parking is available, free for 3 hours and chargeable there after. All parking must registered via RingGo including free sessions. Full details available on the Armitage Centre website.
Organiser: [email protected]
Fair & Talks
🕑: 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Antique & Vintage Textile Fair
Info: Over 60 stands selling a fantastic range of vintage fashion, antique textiles and costume sourced from around the world.
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
From Craft to Art – the Evolution of Tentmaking since 1875
Host: John & Joan Fisher
Info: The evolution of the appliqué art of the Tentmakers of Cairo is an excellent example of how a craft form can recover from the loss of its traditional, domestic market to evolve into a textile artform worthy of comparison with other, more traditional, media.
Come and learn about the history and significance of decorated tents and explore the evolution of the Tentmaker’s art over the last 150 years with the Fishers in this talk, structured around a range of antique, vintage and contemporary pieces from their collection.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Threads of a City: Manchester Tapestry Project
Host: Dr Lisa Gold
Info: Threads of a City: Manchester Tapestry Project is an ambitious two-year civic arts initiative (2025–2027) that will bring Manchester’s extraordinary story to life through a monumental, embroidered tapestry. Led by Manchester Metropolitan University researcher and artist Dr Lisa Gold in partnership with Manchester Histories Festival, the project celebrates the city’s rich heritage of creativity, community, education, and innovation.
Inspired by internationally acclaimed works such as the Great Tapestry of Scotland, the tapestry will feature 30 large-scale embroidered panels, each measuring one metre square. Together, these panels will tell Manchester’s story from 1853 to the present day capturing the people, places, movements, and moments that have shaped the city’s identity.
🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Pat Frost: 30 Years at Christie's
Host: Pat Frost
Info: Join Pat Frost for a look back at 30 years at Christie's, seeing the most glamorous wardrobes, including those of Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, meeting the most extraordinary people and seeing their collections - including a doctor who collected antique corsets - and the attics and laundry rooms of country houses in rain, shine and snow. Find out how the appeal of antique fashion & textiles grew over the years and how she now enjoys editing Text and News for the Society and encouraging the next generation to appreciate textiles (and their owners) in all their glory.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 5.00 to GBP 20.00
