Business Details
Creative Heritage Hub in Leeds
Established in 1829, Sunny Bank Mills stands as a beacon of heritage, creativity, and community in Farsley, Leeds. Our sixth-generation family stewardship has transformed this historic textile mill into a vibrant hub where business, arts, and cultural preservation thrive. The site offers meticulously restored workspaces for organisations of all sizes, complemented by a dynamic arts programme featuring exhibitions, workshops, and events.Our museum and archive safeguard over 180 years of textile history, housing an unparalleled collection of fabrics, designs, and artefacts. We champion sustainable regeneration, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create a unique environment where employment, culture, and community flourish. Through collaborative efforts, we maintain and enhance this iconic space, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Services
Arts Gallery
Heritage Tours
Business Spaces
Retail Spaces
Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer 180+ years of preserved textile heritage in a working industrial environment
- Our sixth-generation family ownership ensures deep historical knowledge and continuity
- We provide unique creative spaces combining historic architecture with modern facilities
- Our arts programme supports emerging Yorkshire artists through annual exhibitions
- We maintain extensive archives with over 60,000 cloth samples and 8,000 fabric designs
Associations and certifications
- Registered Charity Number 1212723
What people say
Interactive history tour
Wonderful experience
Beautiful building
Creative vibe
Well-organised
Services
Arts Gallery
Our contemporary art gallery showcases works from Yorkshire and beyond in a light-filled former cloth warehouse. We host rotating exhibitions every two months featuring painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, and film. The gallery supports emerging artists through our annual Ones to Watch exhibition and provides studio spaces for creative development. Entry remains free for all visitors.
Heritage Tours
Explore our historic textile mill through interactive guided tours of the museum and archive. Discover over 180 years of cloth production history with access to 60,000 cloth samples and 8,000 fabric designs. Tours include hands-on experiences with vintage machinery and artefacts, available every Saturday with advance booking.
Business Spaces
We provide flexible creative workspaces in restored mill buildings for businesses of all sizes. Our facilities include A-grade offices, studios, shops, and restaurants within a 10-acre estate. The spaces combine historic character with modern amenities, located in Farsley village with easy access to Leeds and Bradford city centres.
Workshops
Our workshop programme offers hands-on creative learning experiences in textile arts and crafts. Participants can engage in screen printing, weaving, and other traditional techniques in purpose-equipped spaces. The programme supports both casual learners and professional development for makers, with sessions led by experienced practitioners.
Retail Spaces
We offer retail units for businesses seeking to operate within our vibrant heritage site. The spaces cater to independent retailers, craft makers, and specialty shops. Located in a thriving creative community, these units provide exposure to regular visitors while maintaining connections to the site's industrial heritage and cultural programming.
People
William Gaunt
Joint Managing Director
William oversees mill operations and financial management while maintaining hands-on involvement with historic machinery. He combines business leadership with practical heritage preservation, ensuring the site's sustainable regeneration through adaptive reuse of industrial spaces.
John Gaunt
Joint Managing Director
John manages signage, technology, and general operations while championing community-focused business practices. He plays a key role in event organisation and maintains the mill's physical infrastructure, balancing modern requirements with historical authenticity.
Fiona Gell
Communications Director
Fiona coordinates marketing efforts across all departments, ensuring balanced promotion of arts, heritage, and business spaces. With expertise in heritage marketing and literature promotion, she organises cultural events and serves as a founding partner of Leeds Lit Fest.
Anna Turzynski
Arts Director
Anna leads the arts programme, managing gallery operations, exhibitions, and artist studios. She focuses on expanding arts accessibility through unconventional presentations and community engagement initiatives, fostering connections between artists and local audiences.
Rachel Moaby
Heritage Director
Rachel safeguards the mill's historical collection and develops innovative interpretation methods using digital technologies. She manages volunteer programmes and ensures the preservation of textile artefacts, making industrial heritage accessible through 3D printing and virtual experiences.
Questions
What are Sunny Bank Mills' opening hours?
Gallery: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Museum: Saturday 10am-3pm (booked tours). Office: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm.
Can I book a heritage tour of the mill?
Yes, interactive guided tours run Saturdays 10am-3pm. Book in advance via our website for £5 adults/£2.50 young persons.
Are there business spaces available for rent?
We offer flexible creative spaces for businesses in restored mill buildings. Contact our lettings team for availability and specifications.
Does the site have arts and cultural programmes?
Yes, we host rotating art exhibitions, workshops, and events year-round in our gallery and historic spaces.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
We provide detailed access information online. Contact us in advance to discuss specific requirements for your visit.
Can I host events at Sunny Bank Mills?
We offer meeting and event spaces in historic settings. Contact our arts or business teams for hire details and capacity information.
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