A THRIVING Darwen textile mill is celebrating 70 years as part of the John Lewis Partnership creating high-quality soft furnishings, curtains, cushions, and bedding.

Its role was kept a strict secret for more than a decade to allow for experimental designs, techniques and to produce textile products without the upmarket retailer's competitors knowing.

The John Lewis Archives describe how Herbert Parkinson Ltd was bought by the Partnership in 1953 as an ‘experiment.’

Seven decades on, the company - based in Harvest Mill, close to Darwen Cricket Club - remains a flourishing example of UK design, quality and craftsmanship.

It employs more than 250 staff known as 'partners'

Stuart McDonald, head of branch at Herbert Parkinson, said: “What a milestone this is – celebrating seven decades as part of the John Lewis Partnership.

“The acquisition may have started out as a secret all those years ago, but today we’re proud to be shouting about the amazing work we do – producing quality John Lewis soft furnishings, curtains, cushions, duvets, pillows, roller blinds and more.

“In fact, we’re the only remaining John Lewis Partner manufacturer and the secret to our ongoing success has to be our partners' commitment to quality.

“At Herbert Parkinson we combine the best of modern technology with traditional skills.

“We continue to invest significantly in training, apprenticeships and the latest equipment.”

Herbert Parkinson Ltd – described by the John Lewis Partnership as a ‘hidden gem’ - was founded by Mr Herbert Parkinson of Buncer Lane, Blackburn, in 1934 to weave jacquard furnishings.

Mr Parkinson’s daughter, Edna, sold the company to John Lewis after her father’s death in 1953.

To mark their 70th anniversary, the company is inviting residents to an open evening on June 22 from 4pm to 7pm.

Visitors will be able to book behind-the-scenes tours of the factory, meet some of the 'partners' and enjoy family fun including stalls, bouncy castles, food and face painting.

Herbert Parkinson will also feature as part of the award-winning National Festival of Making – as one of its Art in Manufacturing commissions.

Cllr Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Along with the likes of Perspex and Crown Paints, Herbert Parkinson really has put Darwen on the map when it comes to manufacturing and it’s been a fantastic success for the town.

“Blackburn with Darwen is renowned for its historic connection to cotton and textiles as part of the industrial revolution and it’s fantastic to see this business continue to thrive almost 100 years after it first launched.”