Nylon Collection (#3)

Nylon toothbrush research, 1930s C018 / 0677
Nylon toothbrush research. Laboratory assistant Edward Burke working on early designs of toothbrushes using nylon bristles. Nylon was a new material discovered by the DuPont Company in 1935

Nylon production, 1960s C018 / 0668
Nylon production. Factory workers hand handling flakes of nylon at DuPonts nylon production factory at Seaford, Delaware, USA. Nylon was a new material discovered by the DuPont Company in 1935

Betty Grable, US actress C018 / 0620
Betty Grable (1916-1973), US actress. Born Elizabeth Ruth Grable, she made her debut as a child actor in 1929. She rose to fame in the 1940s, appearing in a succession of musical films

Nylon production, 1950s C018 / 0672
Nylon production. Factory worker carrying out sizing of new nylon yarn at DuPonts nylon production factory at Seaford, Delaware, USA

Nylon production, 1950s C018 / 0673
Nylon production. Factory worker directing nylon flakes from a hose into hoppers at a DuPont Companys factory for shipment to the companys plastics plants

Nylon production, 1950s C018 / 0674
Nylon production. Machinery used for the polymerization of nylon salt in a DuPont factory. This bank of autoclaves is used for the production of Zytel nylon resin

Discovery of nylon, 1941 re-enactment C018 / 0675
Discovery of nylon, 1941 re-enactment. DuPont chemist Julian Hill (1904-1996) carrying out a re-enactment in 1941 of the discovery of nylon in 1935

Nylon stockings, 1940 C018 / 0644
Nylon stockings. Nylon stockings in use in a still from the DuPont Companys film A New World Through Chemistry (1940). This film showcased some of the latest advances

DuPont Experimental Station, 1950s C018 / 0626
DuPont Experimental Station, aerial photograph. This research site for the DuPont company is located on the banks of the Brandywine Creek in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. It was established in 1903

Early nylon research, 1940s C018 / 0676
Early nylon research. DuPont research chemist working with nylon 6-6, the original nylon polymer discovered in 1935. First synthesized in February 1935, this new polymer was later commercialised

Nylon production, 1950s C018 / 0667
Nylon production. Factory worker operating a 40-inch centrifuge used to separate crude adipic acid crystals from diamine sulphate and other liquid components from waste nylon

DuPont products label display, 1940s C018 / 0640
DuPont labels display. Woman adjusting a display of product labels used in the 1940s by the DuPont Company (founded in 1802). DuPont had primarily been a manufacturer of explosives

Wallace Carothers, US chemist C018 / 0621
Wallace Hume Carothers (1896-1937), US industrial chemist, handling a sample of neoprene. Carothers studied at the University of Illinois, receiving his doctorate in 1924

DuPont research, 1950s C018 / 0678
DuPont research. Industrial research chemist watching an organic reaction. The program of fundamental research in organic chemistry at DuPont began in 1927

Nylon production, 1950s C018 / 0669
Nylon production. Workers operating polymerization autoclaves in a DuPont nylon factory. In these receptacles the chemical process known as polymerization takes place

Nylon toothbrush products, 1930s C018 / 0679
Nylon toothbrush products. Machinery adding nylon bristles to toothbrushes on a factory production line. The machine automatically drills the holes in the handles, inserts the bristles

DuPont Seaford factory site, 1940s C018 / 0627
DuPont Seaford factory site, aerial photograph. Located at Seaford, Delaware, USA, and established in 1939, this was the first nylon yarn factory of the DuPont Company

Green Nylon Fishing Net and White Buoys at Gooseberry Point, Bellingham, Washington, US

Ski fashion 1953
Fashionable skiiers sport the latest looks on holiday in 1953. From left, a nylon parka with attached hood and zip fastening pocket across the front worn with nylon and wool skiing trousers

Fishing nets on a quay. Photographed in Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK

Fibres in a bra strap, SEM
Fibres in a bra strap. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the fibres in a bra. These are mainly nylon and polyester

Fibres in a bra, SEM
Fibres in a bra. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the fibres in a bra. These are mainly nylon and polyester

SEM of non-woven Nylon geotextile fibres
Nylon geotextile. Scanning electron micrograph of fibres of nylon geotextile. This material consists of non-woven fibres which are thermally bonded

SEM of part of hooks and loops fastener
Scanning electron micrograph (SEM), coloured gold, of the hooked surface of a hooks and loops fastener. A common fastener, it is made of a nylon material manufactured in two separate pieces

Nylon 6 crystals
Nylon crystals. Polarised light micrograph of nylon 6 spherulites (crystals). The spherulites appear as yellow and blue circles in a cross pattern

Nylon molecule. Computer model of a molecule of nylon-6. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (pink), hydrogen (white), oxygen (yellow) and nitrogen (blue)

Polymer films, AFM
Polymer films. Coloured atomic force micrograph (AFM) of a multi-layer thin polymer film. The outer layers (granulated) are polyethylene

Demonstration of the Dracone, Southampton, 1958
Photograph of the Dracone, a flexible towed trailer for the transport of fluids lighter than water, Southampton, 19th September 1958

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"Nylon: Revolutionizing Fashion and Comfort" In the world of fashion, it has been a game-changer since its inception. From the iconic Kayser Bondor Nylons advertisement to the revolutionary Kayser Bondor advertisement showcasing their latest designs, this synthetic wonder has left an indelible mark on the industry. One notable moment in history was during the Fashions for a Coronation Summer in 1953 when nylon took center stage. Its versatility as a woven fabric was showcased through stunning creations like Victor Stiebel's ballgown, leaving everyone in awe of its beauty. Even everyday items such as combs benefited from nylon's innovation, as seen in DuPont's 1952 C019 / 1284 advert. This durable material proved perfect for creating long-lasting accessories that could withstand daily use. Harrods also embraced nylon with their exquisite ballgown made of delicate netting in 1958. The ethereal quality of this gown captured hearts and exemplified how nylon could transform any garment into a work of art. Underwear design reached new heights in 1962 thanks to Barbara Hulanicki's drawings. Her incorporation brought comfort and style together seamlessly, revolutionizing lingerie forever. Nylon even found its way into popular culture, with David Wright immortalizing Betty Grable putting on a pair of stockings circa 1940. This image perfectly encapsulated the allure and glamour associated with wearing nylons at that time. During festive seasons like Christmas, nylon played an enchanting role too. Fairy figurines seated on Christmas roses or Cupids carrying candles and mistletoe were delicately crafted using this versatile material – adding whimsy to holiday decorations. From advertisements to high-fashion runways and everyday essentials, it is undeniable that nylon has shaped our lives profoundly. Its ability to combine durability with elegance continues to captivate designers and consumers alike – proving that sometimes looking a gift horse in the mouth can lead to extraordinary discoveries.