The how of a 'model' lyotropic liquid crystal polymer, (hydroxypropyl)cellulose in water, through a rectangular channel with a divergence in the channel width, is studied by in situ light microscopy. Microscopic texture observations are related to measurements of the flow velocity field, in order to characterize the shear and elongational aspects of the flow and to examine the effects of the divergence from a narrow channel to a wide channel. A strong dependence of flow-induced texture on position in the channel is observed and is related to the interplay of shear and elongational strain. The divergence generates both a perpendicular elongational strain due to the widening of the channel, and subsequently an elongational strain along the flow direction due to the change in flow pattern from quasi-radial to unidirectional down the wide channel. Additionally side wall structure is observed to be more complex than a simple strong alignment, displaying a fine birefringent texture. Finally there is a marked dependence of the macroscopic structure on the strain history of the fluid prior to entry into the channel, indicating that very different structures of, for instance, moulded parts, can result from differences in geometry and fluid treatment prior to entry into the mould itself.