Steam engine repainted to honour Darwen's industrial heritage

Summarised from BBC Lancashire's report · Updated 10 Oct, 17:43 · Archive

A steam engine outside India Mill in Darwen has been repainted to preserve the town's industrial and historical connections.

The Cross Compound Steam Engine outside India Mill in Darwen has been given a fresh coat of paint to preserve reminders of the town's industrial heritage. India Mill, built between 1859 and 1871, became one of the most important textile sites in North East Lancashire and was closely linked to the cotton trade with India.

The restoration used three colours, each selected for historical significance. 'Invisible Green', a colour commonly used on Victorian ironwork and machinery, was the main colour. White detailing used 'Natural White', a 19th Century shade chosen to symbolise the quality and purity of Lancashire cotton. A third colour, 'Burnt Saffron', reflects the town's historical links with India. Together, the three colours recreate the colours of the Indian flag. The project also commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's visit to Darwen in September 1931, when he travelled to the town to witness the impact the Indian boycott of British cotton goods was having on local mill workers.

Anthony Shaw, Leader of Darwen Town Council, said: 'It is vital that we protect our heritage for future generations of Darweners to enjoy and interact with.'

Read the report

• Steam engine restoration remembers Gandhi visitThe Cross Compound Steam Engine is repainted to preserve reminders of Darwen's industrial heritage.BBC Lancashire · 10 Oct, 17:22

In this story: Mahatma Gandhi · Darwen · India Mill · Lancashire · India

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