Jamie Holman's guide to Blackburn Town Centre

In the culmination of ‘70 Years 70 Voices’ project, artist Jamie Holman weaves together stories of Lancashire’s people with those of our nation’s monarch. The ephemeral tales of a county built on an industrial landscape of cotton, weaving and mills preserved in a material of its own making; a tapestry woven in Lancashire. Responding to archival and donated images of the Queen’s visits to the county, Holman has redrawn and then woven these memories like fibres, to form this textile artwork and deliver a multi media installation that captures the reign of the Queen, through the memory of her people.

The Lancashire Tappestry can be found in Blackburn Cathedral and will be on display from 2nd June 2022 until January 2023. Click here to learn more 

Jamie’s studio is in the town centre and the locations on this map are the places he goes to see art, meet friends or relax . Why not try them all after visiting the Cathedral?

1. Prism Gallery, 20 Lord Street West— prismcontemporary.co.uk

 Blackburn’s only independent art gallery and artists studios complex. Also, home to vintage clothes shop Me to a Tee and often has fantastic exhibitions that make me feel like I’m in London.

2. 14-16 Lord Street West –

My studio and Uncultured Creatives office and also home to arts commissioners The Super Slow Way, The British Textile Biennial, designers Source and The Second Act who represent me and my work.

3. The Chippery, 3 Corporation Street -

The best chip shop in the country. Every private view or event we have at Prism officially begins with chips and curry sauce at the Chippery.

4. Chaii Café, 33 Freckleton Street — chaiicafeblackburn.co.uk

 A hidden gem that artist Danny Davidson introduced me to. The best Desi and English breakfasts with incredible teas and snacks.

5. Rhode Island, The Mall, 3-7 Lord Street West - rhodeislandcoffee.co.uk

Morning coffee and afternoon slump specials. The staff are friendly and welcoming and their hot chocolate is a winter staple in our studio.

6. Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery Museum Street - blackburnmuseum.org.uk

One of the oldest purpose built museums outside of London and home to an incredible collection of paintings, prints and coins. My favourite painting The Forge is the star.

7. Space 59, 59 King William Street -

A new arts venue being run by graduates of the University Centre at Blackburn College who are part of the ‘Creative Alliance’ between The festival of Making, Super Slow Way, The Making rooms and my studio. Expect Liam Gallagher tickets, exhibitions workshops and more.

8. Making Rooms, 1 Exchange Street - makingrooms.org

The place to get things made from 3D printing to CNC routing and laser cutting. Essential for everyone who needs access to industry standard machinery, tools and equipment.

9. Thira, 32 Darwen Street— thira-restaurant.co.uk

Another hidden gem in the town centre. Incredible cuisine from Kerala, Goa and South India. Beautiful sea food, vegetarian, and south Asian deserts. Perfect for a special night out or celebration.

10. Checks and Greys, 1 Cathedral Square - checksandgreys.co.uk

Right next to the Cathedral and named after the pattern in the cotton produced in Blackburn. Lunch and afternoon tea is a favourite meeting place when people visit the Textile Biennial or the National festival of Making.

11. Drummers Arms, 65 King William Street-

Small but perfectly formed and a favourite meeting place after our exhibitions or before a night out in the town. Best of all, grab a seat outside on a sunny day and watch the town go by.

12. Blackburn Market, Church Street -  blackburnmarket.com

Everything you need is on the market. Great coffee, hot food, and stalls that sell tripe, cheese, clothes and fancy goods. I get my clothes altered here, best seamstress in Lancashire.

13. Electric Church, 79 Northgate.

Home of the live music scene and wild nights when big bands are in town. Home to The Illicits and The Ruby Tuesdays - two exciting local bands.

14. Street Art, Blackburn

Blackburn is a destination for street art fans. Blackburn Open Walls have commissioned incredible paintings all across the town centre with Dale Grimshaw on the back of Prism Contemporary and my personal favourite a painting by Cosmo Sarson on the side of the Feilden Street car park.

To discover more click here