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Unspun Stories: An Immersive Multimedia Experience

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UNSPUN STORIES

Unspun Stories: An Immersive Multimedia Experience

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Unspun Stories was a big hit at the Loading Bay in Bradford earlier this year. Created by 509 Arts and the Colour Foundry, the multimedia exhibition revealed Bradford’s textile heritage in a new and exciting immersive format, with translucent gauzes, projectors and a compelling soundtrack. 

 

Audiences loved Unspun Stories, and now it can be viewed on screens at home! The full 20 minute version together with 5 short digital tracks have all been reformatted for video and are free to view and enjoy anywhere, anytime!

 

Unspun Stories celebrates Bradford’s textile heritage from the 1970s onwards. Its creation stems from 509 Arts’ two year research programme, Lost Mills and Ghost Mansions, blended  with footage from the Yorkshire Film Archive and the voices of textile workers. An original digital design and specially composed music create a unique perspective on a very special time in Bradford’s recent history.

 

Alan Dix, Artistic Director of 509 Arts said: “We are very proud to launch this series of videos. Unspun Stories is atmospheric, moving and reflects the energetic and complex changes taking place in Bradford’s textile industry at the end of the last century. The videos capture the spirit of those times and take the viewer on a rich imaginative journey.”

 

Unspun Stories has been created by 509 Arts and The Colour Foundry for Bradford 2025 (UK City of Culture), and funded by The Space CIC, Bradford Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

 

Unspun Stories is now available as a full 20 minute film or you can find your favourite track in our handy Unspun Stories playlist – all completely free via YouTube. Audio of the music tracks are also available via SoundCloud and Spotify.

 

For more information contact info@509arts.co.uk



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    Cinema On the Rocks

    In October 2025, Unspun Stories had another screening – this time with Drunken Film Fest!

    DFF is a free pop-up film festival bringing independent films to bars, cafes, art spaces, and more throughout Bradford, West Yorkshire and Oakland, California. Started in 2016 by Jax Griffin, the festival was founded to create an accessible, local, DIY, and above all else, fun, experience for all.

    This special installation-style screening overlooked the district on the very rock face of the Cow and Calf, Ilkley. Using headsets (silent disco style!) the night also featured Lou Sumray’s animations and a selection of experimental short films.

    The Colour Foundry Logo - White on Black
    UNSPUN, a multi-media visual collage inspired by the heritage of Bradford's textile industry was presented by 509 Arts at Salts Mill as part of Saltaire Inspired, a festival held over the Bank Holiday weekend. Made with The Colour Foundry it used archive photos and film projected onto fabrics, a musical soundtrack with spoken word recordings, found audio and was accompanied by live musicians to create a rich and immerisive experience. Photos by Tim Smith.
    UNSPUN, a multi-media visual collage inspired by the heritage of Bradford's textile industry was presented by 509 Arts at Salts Mill as part of Saltaire Inspired, a festival held over the Bank Holiday weekend. Made with The Colour Foundry it used archive photos and film projected onto fabrics, a musical soundtrack with spoken word recordings, found audio and was accompanied by live musicians to create a rich and immerisive experience. Photos by Tim Smith.
    UNSPUN, a multi-media visual collage inspired by the heritage of Bradford's textile industry was presented by 509 Arts at Salts Mill as part of Saltaire Inspired, a festival held over the Bank Holiday weekend. Made with The Colour Foundry it used archive photos and film projected onto fabrics, a musical soundtrack with spoken word recordings, found audio and was accompanied by live musicians to create a rich and immerisive experience. Photos by Tim Smith.

    Step into the world of Bradford’s late 20th-century textile industry with Unspun Stories – an immersive digital journey that had a successful run in March 2025 as part of Bradford City of Culture
    Vocals by Nick Lewis and Mahjabeen Ahad.
    Visuals by Fabric Lenny and Bec Smith.
    Warning: These videos includes flashing lights.

    The contents of the 509 Arts website are protected by copyright unless otherwise stated.  If you wish to use the materials for any other purpose, email info@509arts.co.uk with your plans.

    Some of the images and video footage belong to a third party and are credited as such. If you wish to use any such content, please contact 509 Arts or the copyright owner directly.

    BD25 Logo Bradford 2025 UK city of culture