Textile Collection (page 100)

Carding engine. Carding is a mechanical process which disentangles, cleans and intermixes fibres. From A Concise History of The International Exhibition of 1862, published 1862

Workers using a hemp and flax scutching machine, scutching is the process used to clean cotton of its seeds and other impurities

The spinning mule, a machine used to spin cotton and other fibres. From Le Savant du Foyer ou Notions Scientifiques Sur Les Objets Usuels de la Vie, published 1864

Workers shredding flax, 19th century. From Le Savant du Foyer ou Notions Scientifiques Sur Les Objets Usuels de la Vie, published 1864

A silk spinning workshop, 19th century. From Le Savant du Foyer ou Notions Scientifiques Sur Les Objets Usuels de la Vie, published 1864

Slasher sizing machine, used for strengthening the warp by adding starch to reduce breakage of the yarns, built by J. Harrison & Sons

The Blackburn power loom invented by William Dickinson & Sons. From A Concise History of The International Exhibition of 1862, published 1862

Dickinsons 37 inch Reed space loom. From The National Encyclopaedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, published c.1890

Platts power loom for plain weaving. From The National Encyclopaedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, published c.1890

Ferrabee and Cos wool lap machine. From The National Encyclopaedia: A Dictionary of Universal Knowledge, published c.1890

Interior of the Royal Exchange, Manchester, England. From The Business Encyclopedia and Legal Adviser, published 1920

Penelope at her loom with Telemachus. From a contemporary print c. 1935
Penelope at her loom with Telemachus. From a contemporary print c.1935

Ned Ludd disguised as a woman. Ned Ludd, possibly born Edward Ludlam, allegedly the person from whom the Luddites took their name.The Luddites were a group of English textile workers

Facsimilie of one of Robert Owens Labour Notes. Robert Owen, 1771 - 1858. Welsh textile manufacturer, philanthropic social reformer

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"From ancient battles to spiritual realms, textile art weaves stories of culture and history. The Bayeux Tapestry, created between 1066-1077, vividly depicts scenes from the Battle of Hastings, transporting us back in time. In Bardo Mandala, a Thangka painting showcasing the period between death and reincarnation, intricate textiles capture the ethereal journey of the soul. Even advertisements have utilized textiles to captivate audiences throughout history. A Singer sewing machine ad from the 1890s showcases how these machines revolutionized textile production and empowered individuals with their own creative abilities. Across continents, traditional textile techniques reflect unique cultural identities. Kuna Indian traditional molas from Cristobal in Central America's Panama showcase vibrant patterns that tell stories passed down through generations. Textiles also find their way into artistic interpretations of legends and visions. "The Attainment; The Vision of the Holy Grail" brings Sir Galahad, Sir Bors, and Sir Percival's quest to life through intricately woven fabrics. Traveling further afield reveals stunning street scenes captured on fabric canvases. Charles Robertson's "A Street Scene in Cairo" transports us to bustling markets filled with colorful textiles that epitomize Egyptian culture. Maps too can be transformed into works of art using textiles as seen in a Buenos Aires map where threads create an intricate representation of city streets. In Costa Rican art, vibrant colors blend seamlessly with indigenous motifs representing Central American heritage while flags of the German Empire showcase national pride through carefully crafted fabrics. Throughout history, fabric design has been celebrated for its beauty and innovation. Art Gout Beaute's 1924 collection exemplifies this creativity by combining bold patterns with luxurious materials. Finally, Ghana's Ashanti Region offers a glimpse into West African textile traditions where skillful craftsmanship meets storytelling through cloth weaving techniques. "