One year on from the reopening of The Harris, we're looking back on what this incredible transformation has meant to the people of Preston. As part of our Project Voices series, we're sharing stories from people who have experienced The Harris' transformation first-hand, showcasing the project's impact beyond the building itself.
Our second film features Scott Schiavone who is the who is the Decorative Art Curator at The Harris, who helps care for a collection of more than 60,000 objects. He is careful to preserve the stories, artwork and artefacts that connect generations of visitors with Preston's past, present and future.
As Scott puts it:
"The thing I love about curating is first and foremost the objects, handling the objects. So it's really fulfilling to have that tactile quality and to be able to handle these precious objects that we keep in trust for the people of Preston."
The vast array of over 60,000 objects and items of interest inside The Harris are brought to life through storytelling. The jewel in the fashion and textile collection is The Harris' Horrockses' Fashions collection. Fashion is an important part of Preston's history due to being a huge cotton manufacturing centre from the late 18th century right through to the mid 20th century.
The latest exhibition at The Harris is called ‘Horrockses' Fashions: Everyday Glamour and The Art of British Ready-to-Wear’, and runs from 19 September to 31 January 2027. Approximately 60 dresses, archival material and exciting loans will be on display in the largest Horrockses' Fashions exhibition ever staged.
More information can be found here: Horrockses' Fashions: Everyday Glamour & the Art of British Ready-to-Wear - The Harris
The Harris Museum, Art Gallery & Library
Reconnecting people and place: The Harris' transformation