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THE SMIRFITT LIBRARY
Click Here to Book your day
Our extensive research library was dedicated in honour of Jack Smirfitt.
For 40 years, Jack was the Librarian at the HATRA Research Centre for Knitting, and for his last 15 years he was the Honorary Curator here at the Framework Knitters Museum.
The Smirfitt Library
Our extensive research library was dedicated in honour of Jack Smirfitt. For 40 years, Jack was the Librarian at the HATRA Research Centre for Knitting, and for his last 15 years he was the Honorary Curator here at the Framework Knitters Museum.
The Library holds copies of all the major classic works on the framework knitting and hosiery industries, together with complete runs of trade journals, house magazines, academic research, histories of hosiery firms, confidential consultants’ and market research organisations’ reports, plus various pamphlets and government reports.


Our collection includes works in a variety of languages including Japanese and Russian.
The archive also features original documents and ephemeral material from manufacturers who no longer exist. This is supplemented by an archive of historic film footage.
Book a Research Appointment
The Smirfitt Library, which is located in the Chapel, is available to all researchers for reference only.
Please contact us in advance to book an appointment.

Opening Times
Wednesday to Saturday: 11am – 4.30pm*
1st April to 30th September
Wednesday to Saturday: 11am – 4.30pm*
Sunday: 1.30pm – 4.30pm*
1st October to 21st December
Wednesday to Saturday: 11am – 4.30pm*
22nd December to 31st January
Closed for essential maintenance and conservation works
We are also open all Bank Holiday from 11am to 4pm!*
* Last entry to museum is at 4pm
My sister and I loved this museum. Especially the guided tours explaining how the machines work and the working and living conditions of the frame knitters at the time. Even got the chance to take a look at Queen Victoria’s stockings in the former methodist church across the cottages. Excellent museum! Very entertaining and interesting! Lovely to see such a local and ordinary history preserved
Excellent Museum!
Second visit to this fascinating museum, a veritable storehouse of social history, staffed by knowledgeable, enthusiastic folk. Some steps may prove difficult for the elderly or infirm but there’s plenty to appreciate at ground level.
Living History
My sister and I loved this museum. Especially the guided tours explaining how the machines work and the working and living conditions of the frame knitters at the time. Even got the chance to take a look at Queen Victoria’s stockings in the former methodist church across the cottages. Excellent museum! Very entertaining and interesting
Terrific Museum