Hatworks Collection

W Moult and J Fidler, workers at hatworks
Ernest Battersby took a number of photogrpahs of employees at the family hatworks in Stockport, and noted their names as well

Body pounding machine at Battersbys hatworks - the castnig on it identifies it as locally made, and the background is incredibly untidy! Date: 1902

Firemen at Battersbys hatworks were obviously employed in house, and despite the equipment being satisfactory, when a fire broke out in 1906 there was insufficient water pressure in the mains to be

Hatworks employee at Battersbys factory identified by the photographer as Christopher Tipping, smartly turned out but with a less imposing backdrop. Date: 1902

Blocking shop at Battersbys hatworks - the felt hat on the right awaits further forming. Note the massive chain drive on the machine on the left. Date: 1902

Machine plank shop at Battersbys hatworks - the top end where more exposed drive belts run next to a table with hundreds of felt cones await the next stage of the manufacturing process Date: 1902

Plank shop at Battersbys hatworks showing formed felt cones, te basis for a fur felt hat. Note the huge amount of pipework, and the exposed belt drives to the machinery. Date: 1902

Settling Machine at Battersbys hatworks with Walter Battersby on right. Obviously not a hurried process, whatever it involved. Date: 1902

Strimping Machine at Battersbys hatworks, another solid piece of machinery bearing the makers name Date: 1902

Tipstitcher machine at Battersbys hatworks - a fantastic piece of solid engineering, obviously built to last! Date: 1902

Belgian machine at Battersbys hatworks - designed to be beltdriven, and apparently recently assembled, judging by the spanner left on its base. Date: 1902

Hardening machine at Battersbys hatworks in Stockport. Note the exposed drive belts in use at the time Date: 1902

Brim Press machine at hatworks in Offerton, Stockport in June 1908. Date: 1908

Singeing machine at hatworks in Offerton, Stockport in June 1908. Date: 1908

Sewing machine at hatworks
Photographed at Battersbys hat factory in Turncroft Lane, Offerton Stockport, note the industrial sized cotton reel on top of the sewing maching. Date: circa 1906

Printing Machine at hatworks
Photographed at Battersbys hat factory in Turncroft Lane, Offerton Stockport, a printing machine possibly for hat labels or publications within the works. Date: circa 1906

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"Hatworks: A Glimpse into the Craftsmanship of W. Moult and J. Fidler" Step inside Battersbys hatworks, where the artistry of hat-making comes to life through the skilled hands of workers like W. Moult and J. Fidler. Witness the rhythmic symphony of machinery as the body pounding machine thumps away, shaping hats with precision at Battersbys hatworks. In times of crisis, heroes emerge - meet the brave firemen who safeguarded Battersbys hatworks from potential disaster. An ordinary day in the life of a Hatworks employee at Battersbys factory is filled with dedication and passion for their craft. Enter the bustling blocking shop at Battersbys hatworks, where creativity meets technique to mold hats into works of art. The machine plank shop hums with activity as intricate designs are etched onto each piece, showcasing true craftsmanship at Battersbys hatworks. Marvel at the expertise within the plank shop as artisans meticulously shape raw materials into exquisite headwear pieces at Battersbys hatworks. Behold the settling machine's gentle touch that smoothens every crease on a newly crafted masterpiece, ensuring perfection at Battersby's Hatworks. Experience innovation in action as you witness how technology intertwines seamlessly with tradition through Strimping Machine's delicate touch at Battersby's Hatwork The Tipstitcher machine weaves its magic effortlessly, stitching together elegance and durability in every stitch produced by talented hands working tirelessly at Batersby’s Hatwork Discover Belgian ingenuity embodied in every thread woven by our Belgian machines; an ode to excellence found only here within our walls –Batersby’s Hatwork Embrace resilience personified by our hardening machines—forging hats that withstand time while preserving their timeless charm–only found here within Batersby’s Hatwork.