Ex-Courtaulds workers invited to museum evening

The rayon fibre manufacturing factory was a well known local landmark from 1939 until its demolition in the early 1980s.

In its hey day the company employed thousands at its Red Scar site in Ribbleton, now the Red Scar business park.

Now former employees and local residents are being asked to share their memories of the site and have a say in the loan of a major French impressionist painting from the Courtauld Gallery in London.

The event runs from 6pm to 7.30pm and follows earlier recollection meetings at the Red Scar café in April and May. It is part of an ongoing project between the Harris and the Courtauld Gallery to explore the history of the Ribbleton site and foster further links with the gallery which has a world renowned collection of French impressionist art including works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Paul Cézanne

Seven paintings have been shortlisted for possible loan to the Harris and Fine Art Curator Lindsey McCormick said: “This event will be another opportunity for people to find out more about the project, the history of Red Scar, start sharing memories about Courtaulds, and a chance to meet curators from the Courtauld Gallery to find out more about the shortlisted paintings and to choose their favourite painting to go on display at the Harris early next year."