31.10.2025

Aitor Throup’s retrospective: FROM THE MOOR

‘FROM THE MOOR’ – a showcase of Throup’s groundbreaking designs, sculptures and drawings from the past 22 years – is presented in his hometown of Burnley, Lancashire, to mark the finale of the British Textile Biennial. The exhibition displays over a hundred individual garments and accessories spanning Throup’s impressive career. To help showcase this expansive archive, the multi-hyphenate designer has painstakingly restored some of his original human figure sculptures used to display the designs.

The immersive exhibition is shown in the faded grandeur of the Burnley Empire – an iconic Grade II listed venue in the heart of the town. Built in 1894 the historic venue has been out of use since 1995 and is a rare surviving example of its kind. Through their partnership, Aitor Throup, British Textile Biennial and Burnley Empire Trust are bringing this Grade II Listed building to life once more in order shine a spotlight on the renovation works to restore and reuse the large venue for modern use.

The exhibition is augmented by large scale visual displays made especially for the retrospective, providing a new perspective into Throup’s creative process over the years. The two integrated screens display a collection of 100 images, art-directed by Aitor Throup and photographed by Leonard Corfu, and is accompanied by music specially composed by GRAMMY-nominated producer and songwriter Rodaidh McDonald.

“I have always been vocal of my passion for Burnley. The town adopted me as a 12-year-old immigrant, and exposed me to a culture of aspiration, innovation and authenticity that has never left me. It was on the terraces of Burnley Football Club where my fascination with experimental clothing design was born. I am so grateful to the town and the football club for planting that seed of curiosity; and it’s an honour to return to Burnley to share the results of my many explorations so far.”

– Aitor Throup

On view:

Burnley Empire, Burnley Lancashire (UK)

30.10 – 02.11

Gallery OneTwoThree, Burnley, Lancashire (UK)

22.10 – 02.11