Working Welsh commercial woollen mill Melin Teif has been acquired by the National Wool Museum’s operator National Museum Wales (Amgueddfa Cymru), securing it ahead of its closure next year.
The machinery and equipment will remain in place at the location and will be protected and maintained after its closure.
Melin Teifi was established in 1982 by Raymond and Diane Jones following the closure of Cambrian Mills, where they had both worked for 18 years.
Two years later, Melin Teifi took up accommodation on the site of the old Cambrian Mills, which is home to the National Wool Museum in Dre Fach Felindre in the Teifi valley in Carmarthenshire.
The move has been made as the number of working wool mills in Wales falls. With the machinery and equipment remaining in situ, it will be protected, maintained and operated by the museum’s craftspeople.
Raymond Jones of Melin Teifi said the acquisition will “take the industry forward, bring in people to learn and run this factory, and keep the industry alive for the future.”
Ann Whittall, Head of the National Wool Museum said the acquired equipment “will enable our craftspeople to continue their training and develop their skills as they produce high quality Welsh woollen blankets.
“Seeing these machines in full working order will enhance the visitor experience with visitors able to witness living history at its best, watching and learning from our craftspeople and hopefully inspiring the next generation of weavers.”
