Darwen Heritage Centre

'Local artist Rona Westwell will be exhibiting her watercolour paintings and prints showing the landscapes and history of Lancashire, particularly of Darwen, during November and December 2026. She trained at Manchester College of Art and then at Lincoln Art College—where she specialised in the Conservation of Paintings—developing a deep understanding of both artistic technique and heritage. Alongside exhibiting her own paintings, she spent many years teaching a selection of Art and Craft disciplines, including silk painting and batik, at Accrington College and Blackburn College. Now retired, Rona spends much of the year in Sicily, painting under the brilliant Mediterranean light. Yet she returns often to her Darwen roots, where the local scenery and the area’s rich history remain central themes in her watercolour work. As well as the exhibition running through November and December 2026 at the Heritage Centre, she will also be available on site to talk to any visitors on Wednesday 25th November. Visitors are warmly invited to visit to enjoy the exhibition, and if they wish, purchase a piece of her work, where a percentage from any purchase will be donated to the Heritage Centre, which helps support the excellent work that the Centre carries out.’

The town is nestled in a valley overlooked by the Victoria Tower, or Darwen Tower as it is more commonly known. Families and visitors walk the moor to this famous landmark for the breathtaking views, whilst down in the town the Grade 2* listed India Mill Chimney rises magnificently 300 feet into the air in the style of an Italian campanile, (bell tower).

Darwen Heritage Centre is a Registered Charity and is managed and run by volunteers.

If you would like to help the Centre by donating a small amount of money please can you do it by bank transfer using the following bank details

ACCOUNT NAME: Darwen Heritage Centre

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 33987736

SORT CODE: 200972

REF: DHC donation

Every donation received is used to keep the Centre running and improving.

Thank you to all the visitors that have supported us through the donation boxes in the Centre.

Your donations are greatly appreciated.

Mission Statement:

The Darwen Heritage Centre will provide a friendly, welcoming access for people of all ages, backgrounds and level of ability. Everyone will have access to the objects, stories and art in our care for their enjoyment, education and research. We will ensure that the collections are appropriately safeguarded. The Darwen Heritage Centre aims to put the history of Darwen and surrounding districts into context with modern society and contribute to local quality of life.

In the heart of this town Holker House has become the home for the Darwen Heritage Centre. A building dedicated to the prolific history of this cotton mill town steeped in stories and stunning architecture. Darwen was home to a strong cotton industry and boasts a visit from Gandhi in September 1931 to address concerns with cotton trading. It was home for Samuel Crompton, inventor of the spinning mule, who lived in Bury Fold Lane, Darwen.

Other famous Darreners include Sam Wadsworth who became a professional footballer winning 9 caps playing for England between 1922 and 1926; world renowned strong man Bill Hunt; professional golfer Dick Burton who held the Open Champion title for seven years; Margaret Chapman the illustrator and painter; Sigrid Augusta Green, female spy in World War 2 and lead singer of Blancmange, Neil Arthur.

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