An artwork which captures the history and spirit of terracotta in East Lancashire will remain on show in Blackburn in September.

Infinite Hands, by Nehal Aamir, came out of the Art in Manufacturing strand of the town’s ever-busy National Festival of Making this summer.

Nehal worked closely with artisans at Darwen Terracotta and Faience to make unique pieces, inspired by Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery’s 150th anniversary and the area’s ceramics pedigree.

Darwen Terracotta was established when Shaws of Darwen closed its architectural division to concentrate on its fireclay sinks line.

Former workers decided to continue their traditions, now working out of the Ribble Business Park in Challenge Way, Blackburn.

And since then the firm has worked on everything from a new south porch at the Royal Albert Hall to restoration work across Great Britain and the United States.

Their collaboration with Nehal, the company’s third involvement as part of Art in Manufacturing, will now be displayed at the Blackburn museum until mid-September.

A museum spokesman said: “Showcasing a contemporary ceramic tapestry, Infinite Hands recognises the dedication and skill of the workforce, while also taking inspiration from Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery’s collection and the first exhibition held in its Watercolour Gallery in the 1800s.

“Infinite Hands tells a story that interweaves the history of terracotta, a spirit of collaboration, and the vibrant culture of Blackburn.”

Nehal, who was born in Pakistan and now lives in Manchester, has always tried to fuse her roots with rich British cultural traditions through her work with colour and hand-painted surfaces.

Darwen Terracotta has previously supplied products to international artists including Grayson Perry and Richard Deacon.⁠