History of East Midlands' textile industry
The Skills Behind the Label
Discover how the East Midlands textile industry adapted to shifting markets, embraced new technologies, and relied on extraordinary craft skills. Through rich oral histories, this article uncovers the hidden expertise behind lace makers, knitters, dyers, and machinists whose labour rarely appeared on the label — but shaped the region’s textile legacy.
Football, Fine Lace and Supersonic Tea Bags…
From designer clubwear to coffin linings, from Olympic swimwear to fine bridal gowns, the East Midlands textile industry produced an extraordinary range of garments and specialist fabrics. Drawing on rich oral histories, this article reveals the creativity, innovation and unexpected stories behind the region’s diverse textile output.
Sounds of the Factory
From clattering lace machines to shared songs and factory radios, the sounds of East Midlands textile workplaces shaped daily life and workers’ memories. Through vivid oral histories, this article explores the powerful role of noise, music and atmosphere in the region’s textile factories.
Cams, Comb bars and Driving blades
From ingenious machine adaptations to the intense heat, noise and camaraderie of the factory floor, this article explores the vital role of mechanics and engineers in the East Midlands textile industry. Through personal memories, it reveals the technical skill, evolving technology and deep pride that kept Britain’s textile machinery running.
Time for a Cuppa?
From bacon sandwiches to pints before the blower, the factory canteen was the social heart of East Midlands textile workplaces. This article celebrates the often‑forgotten ‘tea ladies’ whose warmth, routine and ready cuppas shaped daily life, supported workers through highs and lows, and quietly held the industry together.
More sound clips from those who worked in the industry
These short audio clips capture the voices and memories of women who lived and worked in the East Midlands textile industry. From jiving after late shifts to running textile firms, from community carnivals to the industry’s impact on local towns, their stories reveal the skill, pride and vibrancy that shaped everyday life in the region.
Listen to some sound clips from those who worked in the industry
These short sound clips capture vivid memories of life inside East Midlands textile factories. From the clatter and smell of knitting machines to the realities of fast‑changing fashion, and the importance of morale on long shifts, these voices offer an authentic window into the industry’s everyday experiences.
Easter Bonnets and Invisible Mending at Cooper and Roe
From Easter bonnet competitions to invisible mending, this article captures the camaraderie, skilled work and lively social life of women at Cooper and Roe in Ruddington. Through vivid memories, it reveals the pride, humour and close friendships that defined decades of textile factory life from the 1960s to the 1980s.
A Tale of Two Twisthands
Through the voices of two former Twisthands, this article offers a rare glimpse into the skilled, demanding and often messy world of machine-made lace. From training on fine-gauge Leavers machines to the camaraderie, noise, graphite dust and sheer pride of working at Guy Birkin, these stories reveal the craft, challenges and community behind Nottingham’s lace heritage.
Memories of Interlace, Long Eaton
This unique story follows a young French trainee who arrived in the East Midlands lace industry during the 1990s, joining Interlace in Long Eaton. Through her memories of factory life, global orders, canteen rituals and a growing love for lingerie lace, the article offers an international perspective on the region’s textile heritage.
Listen to some Textile Tales sound clips
Explore two atmospheric sound clips from our Textile Tales project. One features a Towles factory worker who spent 35 years on knitting machines in Loughborough, recalling the unforgettable sounds and smells of the factory floor. The second captures reflections on the ever‑changing nature of the fashion industry and its impact on textile production, including memories linked to Mary Quant stockings.
Photos and Patterns from our Lakeside Roadshow
At our November 2019 Lakeside Roadshow in Nottingham, guests brought along treasured photographs and original pattern and apprentice books from Astills Fine Lace, Bridge Mills. These unique items offered a fascinating glimpse into Long Eaton’s rich lace‑making heritage.
Textile Tales at John Smedley
Take a visual tour through our Textile Tales event at John Smedley on 30 October 2019. This gallery showcases a series of photographs capturing the atmosphere of the mill, stories shared by visitors, and the enduring craftsmanship that defines this world‑renowned textile manufacturer.
Erewash Museum
Discover a collection of images from our Textile Tales visit to Erewash Museum on 25 October 2019. This gallery highlights the stories, artefacts, and community memories shared during the event, celebrating the rich textile history of the Erewash region.