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In 2023, Handpicked Productions worked on their National Lottery Heritage Fund-funded project, Sekers Objects. With the help of the community, they uncovered hidden treasures - looking under beds, peeking in sheds, and scouring mantelpieces - to collect objects that told the rich history of Sekers Fabric. This iconic design and fabric manufacturer was once the beating heart of the West Cumbrian community, and the project brought its legacy back into the spotlight.
In February 2025, the culmination of this work was showcased in a special exhibition at Rosehill. For the first time, a unique collection of objects and artefacts was brought together, offering visitors an immersive journey into the world of Sekers.
Staged at Rosehill - the theatre founded by Sekers’ visionary leader, Sir Nicholas ‘Miki’ Sekers - the exhibition transformed the space into a ‘sample book’ of history. It guided visitors through the timeline of this pioneering fabric design and manufacturing company, highlighting the stories and objects that held deep significance for the local community.
Attendees heard firsthand accounts from former employees and saw objects that had been passed down through generations. They also caught a glimpse of the glamorous world of Sekers ‘at home’ and met key figures like Miki Sekers and Bill Hamilton, whose creativity and innovation shaped the company for much of the twentieth century.
Through Sekers Objects, Handpicked Productions successfully revived the legacy of Sekers Fabric, celebrating its impact on design, industry, and the West Cumbrian community. Over 1,200 people came through the exhibition with a further 300 attending the free film screenings, theatre, family craft activity and fabric sales.

