Dreaming, making, grafting, fettlin' at former Wigan Galleries

Dreaming, making, grafting, fettlin' at former Wigan Galleries

Wigan Council have announced the new name, brand and vision for the former Galleries site, currently being transformed into Wigan’s new town centre destination.

‘Fettlers’ harks back to our heritage, evoking Wigan’s history, celebrating our unique identity and looking towards its bright future.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “A Fettler was someone who worked with metal and pottery, industries with a strong history here in our area.

“In Wiganese, our proud local dialect, “fettlin’” means to make, fix and mend or you can be ‘in fine fettle.’

“We have worked really closely with our local community to find a name that really meant something to the people of Wigan.

“We heard from them the name had to speak to our values. We are authentic, inclusive and proud people.

“This name and brand celebrates our history, our values and looks towards our bright future of crafting, grafting, dreaming, fettlin’ and making things happen.”

Wigan Council have worked closely with local makers and crafters to celebrate our borough’s modern day makers. From Uncle Joes and Wigan Warriors, to Jess of Oh So Specials; a mural artist who has celebrated Wiganese at Wigan North Western.

These makers have featured in the People Make Wigan campaign, celebrating that the power, joy and pride of our town comes from its people. Without them, Wigan just wouldn’t be Wigan.

Antony Winnard and John Winnard MBE, owners of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, said : “It is very fitting that the Galleries is being re-named in recognition of the skills of our local people.

“Since 1898 local ‘fettlers’ have helped us continue and grow our Uncle Joe’s brand Internationally.

‘Made in Wigan, sold to the world …….’”

Town centre regeneration specialist Cityheart is the Council’s development partner for the scheme. Commenting on the launch of Fettlers, development director Darren Jones said: “We are delighted with the Fettlers brand. It not only tells of the history of the town but of the creative and hard-working people that make Wigan so unique. We are looking forward to delivering the new market hall with our construction partners Galliford Try and seeing Fettlers start to emerge.”

Find about more about Fettlers on Facebook and Instagram, @fettlerswigan and Fettlers website (external link).