The Special Collections and Archives in the Lancaster University Library are holding a special ‘Make Do and Mend Day’ to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II from 2pm on the 15th May. The ‘Make do and Mend’ campaign was introduced by the British government to reduce clothing consumption and save resources during World War II. Coinciding with the Library’s events to mark Mental Health Awareness week, we will be offering students, staff and the general public to take time out of their day to be inspired by materials from the Patten Second World War Collection to reduce their consumption with help from Lancaster Makerspace and The Stitch Club.
Between 2pm-4pm, Lancaster Makerspace will be based in the Archives Research Centre to offering skilled help to mend any broken items which would otherwise be thrown away. This will include a talk at 2.30pm explaining the Haybox cooking method promoted by the Ministry of Food during the War.
Between 6pm-7pm, the Archives Research Centre will host the Stitch Club, where you can learn to mend your well-loved clothes.
Throughout the day, there will also be a display of materials from the Patten Second World War Collection.
It will also be mental health #wearitgreenday so come wearing something green and post on Instagram.
